AFCON 2024 : a first win for Côte d’Ivoire
Welcoming more than 1.5 million visitors without a hitch is the challenge facing the Ivorian authorities as the country hosts the Africa Cup of Nations from January 13 to February 11 February. This is the biggest sporting event on the continent, with socio-economic and geopolitical implications as well as sporting ones.
By Bilkiss Mentari, at Abidjan
Côte d’Ivoire is off to a successful start on two counts. When the Africa Cup of Nations kicked off in Abidjan on January 13, the country was already celebrating a double win. The celebrations got off to a flying start with a qualification at the end of the first round for the Elephants. But they will have to do even better if they are to lift the trophy, which is currently in the hands of reigning African champions Senegal, who along with Morocco are among the favorites for AFCON 2024.
Côte d’Ivoire can already call themselves the winners of this edition. After a false start for 2023 and the postponement of the Africa Cup of Nations due to bad weather, the Ivorian authorities have put the resources in place to ensure the organization of the event, starting with Head of State Alassane Ouattara, who is betting big on the competition – with the possibility of running for a new and fourth term in office at the next edition, according to the Ivorian press. « We are already ready to host the biggest sporting event on the continent. With the legendary hospitality of our fellow citizens, I am convinced that we will be able to offer the whole world the best we have to offer in terms of hospitality, culture and tourist attractions, » promised the Head of State.
Significant resources for major challenges
Some $80 million has been allocated for the event. For infrastructure upgrades, with the construction of new stadiums in Yamoussoukro, Korhogo and Abidjan, including the Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium. In the five host cities, 24 training centers were built or renovated. In addition, three « AFCON cities » consisting of 32 five-bedroom villas were built in Bouaké, San Pedro and Yamoussoukro, as well as a new hotel in Korhogo. The airports, hospitals and highways in Bouaké, Korhogo and San Pedro have also been upgraded to meet CAF requirements.
This is almost 13 times the budget allocated by Cameroon, which hosted the last Africa Cup of Nations. But Côte d’Ivoire, which is expected to welcome an estimated 1.5 million visitors, is banking on the major spin-offs from the event. In particular, the tourism sector will benefit. Hotels, restaurants and public transport will be the first to benefit from the influx of visitors. In addition to the tourism industry, several other sectors will benefit indirectly from the competition. From craftspeople to small shopkeepers, not forgetting the various service companies.
Showing its potential as a leading tourist and sporting destination
In addition, Côte d’Ivoire will have the opportunity to demonstrate its ability to host a major event, which could attract other international events in the future.
Beyond the immediate economic benefits, AFCON 2024 represents an opportunity for Côte d’Ivoire to enhance its image on the international stage and show its potential as a leading tourist and sporting destination. Alongside Senegal, Morocco and Rwanda.
A festive atmosphere
Meanwhile, it’s party time in Abidjan, which is hosting the first matches along with four other cities in the country – Yamassoukro, Bouaké, San Pedro and Korhogo. Forget the tensions over the high cost of living, the political bickering ahead of the next presidential election and the infernal traffic jams. If the videos circulating on social media are anything to go by, this is a time for celebration, for Ivorians and visitors from the four corners of the continent alike. « The world is coming to us, to Eburnia. Welcome to you, to the land of welcome, to the land of joy, to the land of good citizenship. The people of Côte d’Ivoire are waiting for you to come and experience together the greatest Africa Cup of Nations, » Didier Drogba, Ivorian football icon and Chelsea legend, recently posted on his Facebook account.
The former captain of the Elephants of Côte d’Ivoire welcomed AFCON 2024 home with palpable enthusiasm. “It brings a sense of pride for me. The last time was in 1984. The fact of having worn the jersey of the national team and now seeing the tournament hosted on home soil is exceptional. We are very happy to welcome all of Africa. It is going to be a party, it’s the celebration of African football, it’s Africa’s party for a month.”
