Bidding for the 2036 Olympic Games is underway and Egypt hopes to be the first African country to host the Summer Games.

Head of the African National Olympic Committees Association (ANOCA), Mustapha Berraf announced the news on the last day of the 2024 Paris Olympics Games.

“Egypt will bid for 2036 and 2040,” he said during a press conference on August 11. “Africa has the chance of organising the Games. It will most likely organise the Games in 2040.”

Egypt has built an International Olympic City complex about 28 miles east of Cairo, costing billions in Egyptian pounds. Construction began in 2015 and the venue will become Egypt’s new national stadium, superseding Cairo International Stadium with a capacity of 93,900 seats, according to local media.

The complex will be located in the New Administrative Capital and was made to relieve congestion and pollution in Cairo. It will feature state-of-the-art infrastructure, including advanced transportation networks, green spaces and high-tech facilities.

After a visit to the country, International Olympic Committee President, Thomas Bach said, “Egypt is ready to organise the Olympic Games and has come a long way, reaching 60 per cent of the organising efforts, including facilities, and roads.”

Qatar Indonesia, India, Turkey and Saudi Arabia are among some countries vying to host the 2036 Games.

Los Angeles will host the 2028 Summer Games, while Brisbane, Australia is preparing to stage the 2032 Olympics.