Africa will host several major events over the next four years, beginning with the Youth Olympics in Dakar, Senegal, from October 31 to November 13.
South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia will host next year’s men’s Cricket World Cup, while the men’s FIFA World Cup returns to the continent in 2030, co-hosted by Morocco, Spain, and Portugal for the first time since 2010.
Yego believes that hosting athletics’ premier competition on African soil will instill confidence across the continent in its ability to organize major events.
“We Africans must think big and plan ahead,” he said. “It is entirely possible for Africa to host a championship like the World Championships.”
“Similarly, the Olympics. Africa hosted the World Cup in South Africa in 2010, proving we can manage large-scale events.”
“We should dream of hosting the Olympics and bringing the world’s best sports to Africa—to experience Africa, to enjoy Africa.”
Both Egypt and South Africa have expressed interest in hosting the 2036 Olympics.
Yego’s optimism is echoed by Gebrselassie, who hopes other cities will gain the confidence to bid for global events.
“This is a significant opportunity, not just in sports, but in the economy and politics. Now Africans can achieve anything they desire,” the 53-year-old said.
“If Nairobi can host this championship, why not Addis Ababa? Why not Lagos, South Africa, Uganda, or Rwanda?”
“In 2029, I believe the entire world will be impressed by how well Kenya hosts.”