The 2024 Olympic Games are drawing to a close in Paris, a city that has made significant developments during the hosting of the event. As the Games conclude, social media has been buzzing with speculation about the host for the 2036 Olympics, following the United States. Many fans are voicing their opinion that Europe should not be given another opportunity to host.

Despite being the world’s biggest sporting event, the Olympics has never been held in Africa. However, this could change with Egypt preparing to submit a proposal to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for the 2036 Games. Egypt is already constructing potential venues, with some nearing completion.

Africa has previously hosted major sporting events, including the 1995 Rugby World Cup and the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. Morocco is also set to co-host football’s biggest tournament in 2030, and Senegal is preparing for the 2026 Youth Olympic Games.

One of the major challenges faced by African countries in hosting the Olympics is the cost. This year, Paris is hosting more than 10,500 athletes competing in 329 events, with the Paralympics set to follow in September, featuring 4,400 athletes in 549 events. These numbers exclude the millions of tourists visiting for the Games.

In recent years, Egypt has made significant advancements in its infrastructure, including roads, buildings, security, airports, and hotels. Egypt’s National Olympics Council received approval to bid for the 2036 Games from President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi in 2022. However, Egypt still needs to convince the IOC’s executive board.

With social media debates intensifying, it seems Egypt could face competition from India, Mexico, Turkey, or Indonesia. South Africa came closest to bringing the Olympics to Africa when Cape Town was eliminated in the penultimate round of voting for the 2004 Games, which were eventually awarded to Athens.

As in many other sectors, politics and human rights play a significant role in Olympic bids. President Sisi, who is expected to be in power until 2030 after winning a third six-year term, could still be leading Egypt by the time of the 2036 Games. Sisi came to power in 2014 after a coup that overthrew President Mohammed Morsi, and it’s uncertain how this might impact Egypt’s bid.

If successful, Egypt expects to benefit from hosting the Olympics, much like South Africa did from the 2010 World Cup, particularly in terms of tourism. The question remains: will history be made, with the Olympic torch passing from Paris to Los Angeles and then to Cairo, marking Africa’s first time as an Olympic host?