South Africa is weighing a bid to bring the 2032 Chess Olympiad to Cape Town, following an on-site inspection by officials from the International Chess Federation (FIDE) and local authorities at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. This potential event marks a significant opportunity for the country to showcase its growing prominence in the chess world.
Modern Facilities and Strategic Location
The visiting group, led by FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich, toured the venue alongside Chess South Africa President Andre Lewaks, Western Cape Chief Director for Sport and Recreation Dr. Lyndon Bouah, and Western Cape Government Assistant Director Kevin Malam. The convention center, opened in 2003, offers 140,855 square meters of floor space and can host up to 9,500 people, with a main auditorium that seats around 1,500. FIDE is considering it as a possible host site for what would be the first Chess Olympiad staged on African soil.
The complex has a record of staging major international gatherings, including the final draw for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the 2023 Netball World Cup—the first edition of that tournament held in Africa—and the 2015 World Economic Forum on Africa. This track record underscores Cape Town’s capability to host large-scale events, making it a prime candidate for the Chess Olympiad.
Located in Cape Town’s Foreshore district, the venue is close to major hotels offering more than 5,000 beds, the V&A Waterfront, and key transport links. Its design allows for exhibitions, congresses, sporting fixtures, political sittings, gala events, and multiple simultaneous gatherings across its two main halls, catering to a diverse range of activities.
In April 2026, FIDE introduced a continental rotation system for future Olympiads and said Africa would be prioritized to host the 2032 edition. The federation is now sounding out potential host countries on the continent. FIDE officials cited recent experience running the World Schools Team Championship in South Africa and noted the combination of a modern facility, a prominent location, and proven organizing capacity as factors that will weigh in any decision.
Western Cape sports officials expressed strong interest in bringing the Olympiad to South Africa. They pointed to national policy that elevated chess to a priority code in 2012—one of 16 selected from 83 categories—underscoring government support for the game. Cape Town’s role as South Africa’s legislative capital, its services-driven economy, and its status as a major tourism and travel hub were highlighted as further advantages. The country’s time zone closely matches much of Europe, making live broadcasts easier for one of the sport’s largest audiences.
The city also has deep chess roots. Africa’s first chess club was founded in Cape Town in 1885, and the city now counts 38 clubs scheduled to start a league competition at the end of this month. The South African National Chess Championships have run since 1892, the oldest such event on the continent. South Africa, along with Morocco, was among the first African nations to compete at a Chess Olympiad, appearing in Munich in 1958. With its rich history and modern facilities, Cape Town is poised to make a compelling case for hosting the 2032 Chess Olympiad.