14 Jun 2023

 A look at countries that have hosted major international sporting events shows a lasting legacy that lives on long after the last game has been played. 

The spinoffs include improved roads infrastructure, refurbished sports facilities, increased tourist arrivals, and a reinvigorated local economy.  

This explains the high stakes game that is bidding to host international sporting events such the Olympics, World Championships, FIFA World Cup, or even the African Cup of Nations (AFCON). 

Botswana officially entered the race to bid for the hosting rights of AFCON 2027 with the successful delivery of a bid book to CAF headquarters. That followed an audit of local facilities by Reuben Reddy Architect (RRA).

According to the Minister of Youth, Gender, Sport and Culture, Tumiso Rakgare, in an interview, the rewards of a successful bid can come in three folds.

 The first would be the pre-hosting economic impact, which entails revamping of amenities such as roads, telecommunications and healthcare facilities, as well as upgrading and construction of sporting venues. 

Notably, a green light to host AFCON 2027 would see an investment in renovation of selected stadia, as well as building new ones.

He said during the games, a lot of fans from the participating countries would descend on Botswana, and that would create opportunities for the hospitality, entertainment, and transport sectors.

Minister Rakgare stated that after the games, Botswana would have a legacy of an improved road network, hospitals and sporting facilities. 

He explained that hosting the tournament would also provide an opportunity to market the country as a tourism destination and a major events venue.

“The money that will be spent in the preparations will create jobs in different sectors of the economy, as well as stimulate the construction industry,” he said.

He stated that the revenue the country would generate in sales and taxes was projected to offset direct investment in three years, while the country would be left with a sporting legacy that would empower citizens, particularly the youth.ENDS