IN the wake of African athletes’ remarkable performances at the 2024 Paris Games, Egypt is boldly stepping forward with a vision to become the first African nation to host the Olympic Games. This ambitious goal reflects not only Egypt’s desire to showcase its growing capabilities but also represents a milestone for the entire continent.
Mustapha Berraf, head of the African National Olympic Committees Association (ANOCA), has announced that Egypt will bid to host both the 2036 and 2040 Summer Olympics. This declaration comes as the curtain falls on the Paris Olympics, where African athletes demonstrated their world-class talents, further igniting the continent’s Olympic aspirations.
Egypt’s bid is rooted in its massive infrastructure developments and modernisation efforts. In recent years, the country has invested billions of dollars in state-of-the-art facilities, stadiums, and sports complexes. The crown jewel of these developments is the Egypt International Olympic City complex, situated in the new administrative capital east of Cairo. This ambitious project includes a 93,900-capacity national stadium and 21 other cutting-edge sports facilities, positioning Egypt as a serious contender for hosting the world’s most prestigious sporting event.
While Egypt leads the charge, it may not be alone in Africa’s Olympic hosting ambitions. Berraf hinted at the possibility of South Africa’s Cape Town also considering an Olympic bid, though the specific year remains unclear. This potential dual bid from the continent underscores Africa’s growing confidence and capability in the global sports arena.
The road to hosting the Olympics is competitive, with several countries and cities already expressing interest in the 2036 Games. Contenders include Indonesia, India, Turkey, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. However, Egypt’s bid stands out as a potential landmark moment for African sports.
As International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach noted, interest in hosting the 2036 Olympics has attracted cities “in the double digits.” This heightened competition makes Egypt’s preparation and infrastructure development all the more crucial.
Egypt’s Olympic bid represents more than just a national aspiration; it embodies the dreams and potential of an entire continent. As African athletes continue to shine on the global stage, the prospect of bringing the Olympic Games to African soil for the first time ever grows increasingly tangible. Egypt’s efforts could pave the way for a historic shift in the Olympic landscape, potentially realizing ANOCA’s prediction that Africa will “most likely organize the Games in 2040.”
This ambitious undertaking not only highlights Egypt’s progress but also signals Africa’s readiness to take center stage in the world of international sports.
Egypt won three medals at the 2024 Paris Games. Ahmed Elgendy won gold in the men’s pentathlon event, Sarah Ahmed won silver in the 81kg category in weightlifting and Mohammed Al-Sayed won bronze in men’s fencing.
