Nigeria is vying to become the first African nation to host the Commonwealth Games, competing against Canada and India for the 2030 hosting rights.
Historically, no African country has staged the multi-sport event, although Durban, South Africa, was awarded the 2022 Games before financial issues led to its withdrawal.
Seven countries and territories from Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Oceania have expressed interest in hosting future competitions. Canada, India, and Nigeria are targeting 2030, while others, including New Zealand, are considering the 2034 edition, as revealed on April 16.
Commonwealth Sport CEO Katie Sadleir expressed excitement over the strong interest in hosting the 2030 tournament and beyond, calling it a testament to the event’s global relevance and the appeal of its reimagined model. She emphasized the importance of the Commonwealth Games alongside the Olympic Games and Paralympics.
Sadleir praised Scotland’s role in stepping forward to host Glasgow 2026, highlighting its foresight, tenacity, and innovative thinking. She described the event as a bridge to future Games, noting its impact starts now by instilling confidence in partners and athletes and demonstrating the Games’ unifying power.
In January, Commonwealth Sport launched a new, collaborative host selection process, inviting all 74 games associations to submit expressions of interest (EOIs) for the 2030 Games and beyond. The deadline for submissions was last March.
This new process is part of the 2023–2034 Commonwealth United strategic plan and the Games Reset initiative, which moves away from the traditional bidding model. Instead, it offers a flexible, co-creation approach that encourages innovation and collaboration, ensuring inclusive participation from all.
Commonwealth Sport Director of Games and Assurance, Darren Hall, noted the high level of interest in hosting future Commonwealth Games. He explained that each submission will be discussed further, working with each interested Commonwealth Games Association and its regional representatives to establish hosting feasibility.
During the next five-month period, candidates moving forward will need to provide a detailed games proposal to Commonwealth Sport. This will be followed by an evaluation process, culminating in the executive board recommending a host to the membership for approval at the general assembly in November 2025 in Glasgow, Scotland.
Under the revised model, host nations will have increased flexibility to shape the Games in a way that delivers meaningful legacy benefits for local communities. Commonwealth Sport, along with host members, governments, and communities, will co-create both the event and its associated social and economic impacts.
Hosting costs will be significantly reduced compared to previous editions by streamlining delivery and encouraging the use of existing venues for sport and accommodation, unless new infrastructure is already part of broader national development plans.
The reimagined Games will feature an inclusive and dynamic sports program designed to inspire audiences, showcase athletic excellence, and bring long-term value to host nations. It will engage athletes and be relevant across all Commonwealth Games Associations (CGAs), International Federations, and stakeholders. Competitions will maintain a commitment to equality in sport, supporting a level playing field for both Para and non-Para athletes and investing in the development of the Para athlete pathway.