Coe shares vision for Africa

Having discussed his standpoint on various important topics during his globetrotting election campaign including geopolitical matters regarding Russia, gender policies in the wake of the Paris 2024 boxing controversy, the future involvement of tech, and much more, Sebastian Coe has this week weighed in on his vision for Africa’s future Olympic involvement.

“Africa has never hosted the Olympic or Paralympic Games, but it has great potential. Bringing out the untapped talent here will shape the future of the Games,” Coe wrote on X on Wednesday. “The steps we will take in Africa (Africa Accelerator) could be a turning point for the Olympic and Paralympic Games. I would like to highlight a few issues in particular.”

The 68-year-old two-time gold medallist then outlined these matters as the following: A collaborative, sustainable approach to the Games, the ability of AI to “accelerate efficiencies” in Africa, the necessity to give athletes “more rights, more data, more assets they can monetize” and the need for International Sports Federations to work together on shared infrastructure. He also pointed out that the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games’ represents a “significant milestone” in growing the Olympic movement in Africa.

Finishing his post, Coe wrote, “The great thing about an election is that it’s an incubator for new ideas. Every step taken to move sports and the Olympic movement forward is valuable” before sharing a photo of him with decorated Kenyan long-distance runner Faith Kipyegon and a link to an article on Ghanaian media site Joy Online with an article on his “bold vision for Africa.”

The article, written by Joy Sports Editor, Fentuo Tahiru Fentuo, shared the vision that the IOC Presidential hopeful had relayed to a select group of African journalists including Fentuo in January, just a day after presenting his manifesto to the 108-member IOC electorate at the Olympic House in Lausanne.

“He touched on a variety of important issues, offering a glimpse into the reforms and leadership style he would bring if elected,” it reads. “As the International Olympic Committee (IOC) elections approach, Sebastian Coe is positioning himself as a forward-thinking candidate who sees Africa as the key to unlocking the future of global sport.”

The continent was reportedly described as a “game-changer” by Coe who harbours an “unwavering belief” that Africa is “critical” for the future of the Olympic Games with its “vast, youthful population” and its “deep-rooted passion for the sport.”

“Africa has never hosted the Olympic Games, but we need to change that. The potential here is enormous. With the right investment and infrastructure, we could see Africa become the heartbeat of global sports,” was Coe’s reported reply when asked whether the Olympic Games could be held in Africa. The former track and field athlete intends to explore a potential World Championship event in Africa as the first step in an attempt to expand the opportunities for African athletes “to shine on the global stage.”

Some of the obstacles that lie in Africa’s way are “complex logistics” and the” significant financial investment required hence his post that highlighted a more sustainable, collaborative, and multi-coordinated approach involving shared resources and infrastructure. “Delivering the Olympic Games is the toughest project anywhere in the world. But we must ensure that hosting the Games doesn’t come at the expense of the people or the governments,” said Coe. “We need to find a way to make these events financially sustainable, using a model that doesn’t place undue strain on the host nation.”

The Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Senegal represent a stepping stone and critical milestone for the continent serving as a platform for growing the Olympic movement in the region. “Senegal is an important part of Africa’s journey towards hosting the Olympics,” he said. “The Youth Olympics are a fantastic way to grow the footprint of the Olympic Movement here and inspire the next generation of athletes.”

Coe’s vision also emphasizes the need to support athletes and unlock the “potential” in Africa as part of a global movement that can advance by embracing the potential of technology. “AI can help identify talented athletes early, ensuring that no one is missed because of geographic or financial barriers,” said Coe. “This is especially critical in Africa, where we have a wealth of untapped potential.” Scouting, training, and supporting athletes can all be enhanced by technology with the capacity for E-learning and remote coaching reducing the need for expensive travel.

“Sebastian Coe’s candidacy is about more than just overseeing the next Olympic Games—it’s about transforming the IOC into a truly global, forward-thinking organization that embraces innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability,” finishes Fentuo. “His vision for Africa is clear: to unlock the continent’s full potential by investing in its athletes, infrastructure, and communities.”

Coe faces competition from Zimbabwe’s minister of sports Kirsty Coventry. The 41-year-old former swimmer is a decorated Olympian who won a total of seven Olympic medals including two golds and is said to be the preferred candidate of the outgoing IOC President Thomas Bach. If elected, Coventry would make history by becoming the youngest official, first woman, and first African to lead the organization in its 130-year history.

Hoping to beat both Coe and Coventry are the IOC Vice President Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr. of Spain, the deputy king of Jordan, Prince Feisal, International Cycling Union President David Lappartient of France, the Swedish/British President of the International Ski Federation Johan Eliasch, and the Japanese President of the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) Morinari Watanabe.

Courtesy: insidethegames