South Africa wants to be the first African country to host the Summer Olympic Games in 2036.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) confirmed that South Africa is one of seven countries engaged in discussions about potentially hosting the Games. Hungary, India, Qatar and Turkey are also seeking to become first-time Olympic hosts. Germany and South Korea are considering bids after previously staging the Summer Games. The IOC said the seven countries are engaged in “continuous dialogue” with the governing body.
They have until 31 October to submit formal statements of interest. Interested countries will then make virtual presentations to the IOC’s future host commission in November. The IOC plans to conduct feasibility assessments by March 2027 before entering strategic dialogue with the national Olympic committees involved.
South Africa’s proposal would spread the Games across three cities: Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg. Durban had previously been selected to host the 2022 Commonwealth Games. However, the city withdrew from hosting the event in 2017. India’s proposed host city is Ahmedabad, which is scheduled to host the Commonwealth Games in 2030 and has also bid for the 2038 Asian Games. Qatar has nominated its capital, Doha, which hosted the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Hungary has proposed Budapest, which hosted the 2022 World Aquatics Championships and the 2023 World Athletics Championships. Turkey’s bid focuses on Istanbul, which has previously made unsuccessful bids for the 2000, 2008 and 2020 Olympics. The city is due to host the 2027 European Games. Germany has hosted the Summer Olympics twice, in Berlin in 1936 and Munich in 1972. Munich is now considering another bid for 2036.
South Korea’s proposal features Seoul and North Jeolla province. Seoul previously hosted the Olympics in 1988. The IOC also said other national Olympic committees are conducting non-committal discussions about hosting Games beyond 2036.
The UK government said in May that it was discussing support for potential Olympic and Paralympic bids in the 2040s. The 2028 Olympics will be held in Los Angeles, while Brisbane will host the 2032 Games in Australia.
If South Africa is selected, it would become the first African host of the Summer Olympics.
