Egypt is preparing to bid for the 2036 and 2040 Summer Olympics, with its developing infrastructure and sports facilities seen as essential for an African bid, according to the head of the African National Olympic Committees Association (ANOCA) on Sunday.
Africa has not yet hosted the Olympic Games, and Cairo’s previous attempt to secure the 2008 Olympics was not successful.
Egypt, the largest Arab country by population, has invested significantly in upgrading its sports infrastructure. The Egypt International Olympic City, under construction east of Cairo since 2015, will include a 93,900-seat stadium and 21 other sports facilities.
Mustapha Berraf, the head of ANOCA, announced at a press conference on the final day of the Paris Olympics that Egypt plans to bid for the 2036 and 2040 Olympic Games.
The Algerian sports administrator also mentioned that another African bid could emerge, with Cape Town, South Africa, contemplating an Olympic candidacy.
However, he did not specify which Games Cape Town might target.
Berraf, who is also a member of the International Olympic Committee, expressed confidence that Africa will have the opportunity to host the Games, likely by 2040.
According to Berraf, addressing infrastructure concerns such as roads and airports is essential, noting that Egypt has considerable infrastructure potential.
Los Angeles is scheduled to host the 2028 Summer Olympics, while Brisbane, Australia, is preparing for the 2032 Games.
Several countries and cities are already showing interest in bidding for the 2036 Olympics, including Indonesia, India, Turkey, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.
The President of the International Olympic Committee has mentioned that the 2036 Games have already attracted interest from numerous cities.