Ivory Coast Gears Up to Host Africa's Largest Sporting Event
The Africa Cup of Nations, set to begin on January 13 in Ivory Coast, showcases the nation's significant investment in infrastructure for the tournament, ensuring a lasting legacy for the country
Africa's largest sporting event, the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), is set to begin on January 13 in Ivory Coast, marking the first time in 40 years that the tournament will be held in this country. The opening game will take place at the newly constructed Alassane Ouattara Stadium in the southern port city of Abidjan. This is just the beginning of a major transformation for the West African nation, as it prepares to host 24 nations in 52 matches across five cities for the month-long tournament.
In preparation for AFCON, Ivory Coast has built four new stadiums and renovated two others. The country has also improved its road infrastructure, built or upgraded hospitals, and refurbished airports. According to Idriss Diallo, president of the Ivorian Football Federation, the total investment in tournament-related infrastructure has exceeded $1 billion.
Organizers are optimistic that the developments will create a lasting legacy and signify a fresh start for the country, which has endured civil wars over the past two decades. Ivory Coast has already established itself as a soccer powerhouse, having previously won the cup twice and produced renowned stars such as former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba and ex-Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure. However, Diallo anticipates that the new infrastructure will further solidify the nation's global reputation in the soccer world.
Stade de la Paix in Bouake was originally constructed for the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations. It has been renovated ahead of the 2024 tournament.
SIA KAMBOU/AFP via Getty Images
According to him, soccer's foundation is infrastructure. He explained to CNN that the successful soccer nations are the ones that initially set up basic infrastructure such as training pitches, competition pitches, and local pitches. This is a crucial first step and will provide a significant boost to Ivorian soccer. In 1984, Ivory Coast hosted AFCON, but at that time only eight nations participated and the host country was eliminated in the group stages. Ivory Coast is now considered one of the favorites for the 2024 tournament, which was originally planned for June 2023 but was postponed due to concerns about holding the competition during the country's rainy season.
A battery exchange program is electrifying Africa's roadways
According to Edem Spio, co-founder and host of the Africa Business of Sport podcast, hosting the event could still be a marketing victory even if the team does not win the cup. "Countries, particularly those in the global north, enjoy using sports as a means to demonstrate their soft power and industry prowess. We witnessed how Qatar went above and beyond in hosting the 2022 World Cup," he explains.
Long-term legacy
"Hosting an event like the AFCON, which is the flagship football event in Africa, truly showcases a country's understanding of the significance of sports and its aspiration to make a mark in the world of sports."
The event's impact will also extend to other industries. According to Diallo, the tournament is expected to draw up to 2 million people, including attendees from neighboring countries such as Burkina Faso and Ghana, as well as further afield countries like Nigeria and Senegal. He anticipates that this will stimulate various economic activities, including transportation and small business opportunities, and will significantly boost the country's hospitality industry.
A worker applies fertilizer to the pitch at Stade de la Paix in Bouake ahead of the tournament's kick-off.
SIA KAMBOU/AFP via Getty Images
Lolo Diby, the president of the National Federation of the Hotel Industry in Ivory Coast, anticipates a significant increase in hotel occupancy during the tournament, projecting it to reach 100%. He believes that this surge could potentially generate a revenue of at least 15 billion CFA francs per week, amounting to approximately $25 million. According to Diby, the current occupancy rate is around 40%, highlighting the substantial potential for economic growth in the hotel industry.
The government's investments in airport renovations and hospital equipment are intended to make travel to the country easier and improve medical facilities. According to Diallo, these investments will have a lasting impact on the country's infrastructure, technical skills, and revenue in the soccer ecosystem, benefiting the entire nation.
Thomas-Diego Badia, Erwan Schiex-Engama and Tom Bouchier Hayes contributed to this report.
