The CAN revolution

For Côte d'Ivoire, the 2024 CAN, the African Cup of Nations, ‘the most beautiful in history,’ was a huge operation of national pride, sporting success (with a national team that produced one of the most spectacular comebacks in the history of contemporary football) and a global exercise in soft power.

Images of an exciting and well-organised tournament and an enterprising country were broadcast on screens (both large and small) around the world, along with the electric atmosphere, the music of Magic System and the now famous 'Coup du Marteau'. The investment was substantial, amounting to a billion dollars, but the country is now firmly established on the geostrategic map of sport and hospitality. The hospitality industry (hotels, restaurants, services, etc.) got a huge boost from the event, and the host cities now all have a stadium and other facilities. The six CAF/FIFA-approved stadiums have become home to several national teams that do not have facilities that meet the required standards. Rolling out green carpet diplomacy – this sporting ambition goes beyond football. Côte d'Ivoire hosted this year's African Judo Championships in April and is gearing up to host the Women's AfroBasket in July.