The President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Thomas Bach, has encouraged African countries to explore the opportunity of hosting the Olympic Games starting from 2036. This call is part of the IOC’s broader initiative to make the Games more accessible, inclusive, and sustainable for regions outside traditional Olympic host nations.
During a press briefing in Nairobi, Kenya, on October 24, Bach emphasized the importance of proactive participation from African nations, urging them to declare their interest to become part of the future Olympic landscape. He suggested that the continent is well-positioned to take on such a significant global event, given recent changes introduced by the IOC to make hosting more affordable.
With the 2028 Olympic Games scheduled to be held in Los Angeles and the 2032 edition set for Brisbane, the IOC has yet to determine hosts for the Games beyond that. Bach encouraged African countries to seize the opportunity to submit their bids, stressing that the IOC is open to working with countries outside the traditional economic powerhouses, particularly those outside the Group of Twenty (G20). This list includes major global economies, such as the United States, China, Germany, and South Africa, among others, but Bach emphasized that hosting opportunities are no longer limited to these nations.
Bach reiterated that African nations can submit bids despite potential economic concerns. He highlighted that several countries expressing interest in future Olympic editions do not belong to the G20, showcasing a shift toward inclusivity. “After all the reforms we have introduced, hosting the Games is no longer as financially burdensome as it once was,” Bach stated, urging African leaders to pursue the opportunity.
The IOC has undertaken significant reforms in recent years aimed at reducing the financial strain and logistical challenges associated with organizing the Olympic Games. Bach emphasized that the new approach to hosting is rooted in aligning the Games with long-term infrastructure development and community planning in the host region. “We are moving away from merely discussing the cost of the Games. Instead, the focus is on investments that can foster economic development, enhance infrastructure, and leave a lasting legacy,” he explained.
The president also referenced the IOC’s deliberate decision to award the 2026 Youth Olympic Games to Dakar, Senegal, the first time any Olympic event will be held in Africa. He described this move as part of a broader commitment to promote sports and foster long-term development on the continent.
Bach urged African leaders to recognize the symbolic significance of hosting major events, highlighting the potential economic and social benefits that such opportunities can bring to a nation. “The Youth Olympic Games in Dakar serve as an example of how Africa can leverage Olympic events to build infrastructure, boost tourism, and strengthen its international standing. It is a chance to build confidence and inspire the rest of the continent,” he remarked.
A crucial aspect of the IOC’s new hosting model is sustainability. Bach outlined that instead of requiring extravagant construction projects, the IOC encourages host cities to repurpose existing facilities and integrate Olympic-related investments into their broader urban development strategies. This approach reduces wasteful spending and ensures that the infrastructure benefits the host community long after the Games conclude.
Beyond financial considerations, the IOC aims to ensure that hosting the Olympic Games positively influences the host city’s long-term goals. “We are working closely with cities to integrate the Games into their developmental visions,” Bach noted, adding that the IOC now provides greater flexibility and financial support to National Olympic Committees (NOCs) to help them manage the costs of organizing the event.
Bach emphasized the need for African countries to overcome any hesitation about bidding for the Olympics. “Africa must gain confidence and be bold in expressing interest,” he said. “We believe that the reforms we have made offer a genuine opportunity for African nations to host a Games that aligns with their own aspirations and plans for development.”
The IOC’s approach aligns with a broader movement within the organization to ensure that the Olympic Games serve as a catalyst for economic growth, community development, and sports promotion. This strategy aims to prevent situations where cities face financial burdens after hosting the Games, which has been a criticism of some previous host cities.
Hosting the Olympic Games is also seen as a way for African nations to raise their global profile and foster regional unity. With the continent already hosting numerous continental and international sporting events, such as the Africa Cup of Nations and the All-Africa Games, the Olympics would represent a significant step forward in Africa’s sports ambitions.
The IOC president also emphasized the need for strategic planning and collaboration among African nations, suggesting that regional partnerships could increase the likelihood of success. He hinted that multiple cities or countries could consider joint bids, distributing the hosting responsibilities and reducing the financial and logistical burden on any single nation.
Bach’s appeal underscores the IOC’s desire to expand the geographical reach of the Olympic Games, making them more inclusive and reflective of global diversity. Africa’s absence from the roster of Olympic host nations is a notable gap that the IOC is keen to address, especially with the continent’s growing influence in international sports.
While some African countries may face challenges related to infrastructure, financial resources, and political stability, Bach emphasized that the IOC is committed to working with interested nations to address these issues. He expressed confidence that with proper planning and support, an African-hosted Olympic Games could be a resounding success.
Bach’s message comes at a time when the IOC is seeking to reposition the Olympics as more than just a sporting event. The Games are increasingly seen as an opportunity to promote cultural exchange, environmental sustainability, and economic development. For Africa, hosting the Games would be a momentous occasion, providing a platform to showcase the continent’s talents, culture, and potential on the world stage.
In addition to encouraging African bids for the Olympic Games, Bach acknowledged the broader role that sports can play in fostering social cohesion and development. He highlighted the importance of the Olympic spirit in promoting unity and understanding among nations, a principle that aligns with Africa’s diversity and cultural richness.
The IOC’s push for African involvement reflects a changing landscape within the Olympic movement. With rising concerns over the environmental and financial costs of hosting mega-events, the focus is shifting toward sustainable, community-oriented planning. This change presents a unique opportunity for African nations to align their developmental goals with the aspirations of the Olympic movement.
Bach concluded his remarks by reiterating that the IOC stands ready to assist any African nation willing to step forward and submit a bid for the Olympic Games. He expressed optimism about the continent’s potential to host a successful and impactful event. “Africa has every reason to be proud of what it has already achieved, and I believe that hosting the Olympic Games is the next logical step,” he said.
The IOC’s message to Africa is clear: the door is open, the opportunity is real, and the time to act is now. As the 2036 Olympic Games and beyond come into focus, the question remains whether African countries will embrace the challenge and make history by bringing the world’s most prestigious sporting event to the continent.
