No African city has ever hosted an Olympic Games. And while some believe that Cape Town has what it takes to host, the City itself has refused to confirm any Olympic aspirations.
Cape Town last bid to host the 2004 games, ultimately losing out to Athens. Following the Paris Olympics, Egypt has announced its intention to bid to host either the 2036 or 2040 Olympics. According to Reuters reports, Mustapha Berraf , Head of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa, added that Cape Town could also be considering candidacy but did not confirm which games the city may bid for.
Think Tank Cape Town 2040, which is exploring the potential of Cape Town to host the 2040 Summer games, claims that the city already has much of the key sporting infrastructure required to host.
The groups study found that 84-85% of required venues either currently exist, or could be temporarily created. Most of these are located in Cape Towns metro area, Stellenbosch and Paarl.
Development needs would be substantial upgrades to swimming pools to meet World Aquatics standards, more stadiums (there is a lack) and the need for Cape Town and the Western Cape to enhance its multi-sport event hosting experience.
