While African countries have been active participants in the Olympics, the continent has yet to host the prestigious event. This year, only 12 African countries made it onto the medal table. Kenya led the continent with a total of 11 medals: 4 gold, 2 silver, and 5 bronze.
With countless games and competitions held around the world, few compare to the Olympics. It is one of the most revered sporting events globally.
What makes the Olympics truly special is its ability to bring together athletes from nearly every corner of the globe, all competing in a wide variety of sports.
The 2024 Paris Olympic Games wrapped up on Sunday, with several countries taking home medals ranging from gold to bronze, while many others left empty-handed.
The United States topped the medal table, claiming 40 gold medals and a total of 126 medals, ahead of China’s 91, which included 24 bronze medals.
This year, only 12 African nations made it onto the medal table. Kenya led the continent with a total of 11 medals: 4 gold, 2 silver, and 5 bronze. South Africa followed with 6 medals: 1 gold, 3 silver, and 2 bronze. Ethiopia came in third on the continent, earning 4 medals: 1 gold and 3 silver. Both Nigeria and Ghana returned home without a single medal.
While African countries have been active participants in the Olympics, the continent has yet to host the prestigious event. Cairo made an unsuccessful bid for the 2008 Olympics, but the ambition to bring the Games to Africa remains strong.
Egypt now has its sights set on hosting the 2036 and 2040 Summer Olympics. According to the head of the African National Olympic Committees Association (ANOCA), the country’s improving infrastructure and sports facilities will be crucial in making this ambitious bid a reality.
Below are the African countries with the most medals at the Paris 2024 Olympics:
| Rank | Country | Gold | Silver | Bronze | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Kenya |
4 |
2 |
5 |
11 |
|
2 |
South Africa |
1 |
3 |
2 |
6 |
|
3 |
Ethiopia |
1 |
3 |
0 |
4 |
|
4 |
Algeria |
2 |
0 |
1 |
3 |
|
5 |
Egypt |
1 |
1 |
1 |
3 |
|
6 |
Tunisia |
1 |
1 |
1 |
3 |
|
7 |
Botswana |
1 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
|
8 |
Uganda |
1 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
|
9 |
Morocco |
1 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
|
10 |
Côte d’Ivoire |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
11 |
Cabo Verde |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
12 |
Zambia |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
