Hosting the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) is a daunting task, with 24 teams participating in the tournament.
The infrastructure required to host such an event can be demanding for any nation.
CAF requirements for hosting the AFCON indicate that a country needs six stadiums, with two that can hold 40,000 fans, another two that can hold 20,000 fans, and two that can hold at least 15,000 fans.
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In addition to infrastructure costs, security is a big concern for those with intentions to host AFCON, with host countries and cities seeing an influx of visitors during the tournament.
The economic boost generated by hosting AFCON usually outweighs the costs and can provide benefits in the long run.
Egypt, for example, generated Ksh10.2 billion ($83 million) in revenue from the 2019 edition.
Infrastructure developments in cities such as Alexandria, Suez, and Ismailia benefited residents and tourists alike, also boosting Egypt’s public image and attractiveness to future tourists.
AFCON tournaments are an opportunity for a country to market their nation with African countries.
The increase in tourists during AFCON comes in parallel with increased spending and hence creates a multiplier effect as money circulates through a nation’s economy and helps provide new jobs.
Alongside an increase in tourism, the AFCON tournament provides this opportunity to showcase African culture to the world, which can also bring about social benefits for the host nation.
CAF has yet to confirm a host for the 2027 edition, which could provide a better opportunity for less economically developed countries to launch a bid, including Guinea, with a reasonable amount of time to plan and prepare for such an event.
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