Egypt sets sights on becoming first African nation to host the Olympics

During a press conference held on the final day of the Paris Olympics, Mustapha Berraf, President of the African National Olympic Committee Association (ANOCA), revealed Egypt's plans to bid for hosting the 2036 and 2040 Olympic Games, as reported by Reuters.

"Egypt possesses significant infrastructure potential, but there is a need to address key issues such as roads and airports," stated Berraf, who also serves as a member of the International Olympic Committee.

Although Cairo's bid to host the 2018 Olympics was unsuccessful, much has changed in the country since then.

The Egyptian government has invested billions of dollars in infrastructure projects aimed at modernizing the nation, including the development of several sports complexes. A massive stadium, expected to seat 94,000 spectators, has been under construction since 2015 in Egypt's new administrative capital, located east of Cairo.

Berraf also mentioned that South Africa might enter the race to host the Olympics but did not specify a target year for their bid.

Apart from Egypt, countries like Indonesia, India, Turkey, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia have expressed interest in hosting the 2036 Olympics.

"Africa has a strong chance of organizing the Games. It is highly likely that the continent will host the Olympics in 2040," Berraf added.

The upcoming Summer Olympics will take place in Los Angeles, followed by Brisbane, Australia, in 2032.