Among the key projects included in the budget are renovations at the Cardinal Malula Stadium, the Kintambo Velodrome in Kinshasa, the Frederic Kibassa Maliba Stadium, the Lupopo Stadium in Lubumbashi, and the Kinshasa Martyrs Stadium. These renovations will involve upgrading the grandstands, installing seats, modernizing facilities such as locker rooms, and improving the overall surroundings of the stadiums.
Barthelemy Okito, deputy coordinator of the competition organizing committee, highlighted the importance of these infrastructure improvements in ensuring the success of the tournament. Modernizing stadiums is crucial for the development of football in Africa, as it enhances security, improves match broadcasting capabilities, and considers local and climatic factors.
While Africa currently lacks stadiums among the world’s largest, there is a growing recognition of the need to invest in modern infrastructure to support the continent’s football development goals. Collaborations with international partners, such as China, play a significant role in this endeavor. According to a study by Kurt Salmon, new African stadiums must prioritize safety, broadcast technology, and adaptation to local conditions to meet the evolving needs of the sport.
