PuraVida Sports

By Victoria Kaigai

Africa is not merely participating in the global athletics arena; it is reshaping it. 

With nations like Kenya, South Africa and Botswana leading the charge, the continent is positioning itself to host premier events and build world-class facilities. 

This momentum is fuelled by a surge in local talent, international recognition, and growing investment in sports infrastructure.

African athletes have long dominated distance running, but recent years have seen a broader surge in talent across disciplines. 

Countries like Kenya, Ethiopia, South Africa, and Nigeria are producing a new generation of track stars excelling in sprints, long jump, and middle-distance events. 

This shift is evident in events like the World Athletics Under-18 Championships in Nairobi and the IAAF World Cross Country Championships in Uganda, which are bringing the spotlight from the road to the track.

Africa’s athletics future is incredibly bright. 

Major events such as the 2026 Golden Grand Prix, scheduled for April 25, 2026, and the World Relays, on May 2 and 3, 2026, will give African athletes an unparalleled platform to display their talents.

These events are set to bring global attention to the continent and underline the importance of investing in top-tier athletics facilities. 

Hosting these events provides African countries with the chance to boost tourism, generate revenue, and build lasting legacies for future generations of athletes.

The Science Behind Track Construction

Creating a world-class track requires high-quality materials like polyurethane and EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) rubber, which provide the right balance of flexibility, durability, and performance. 

Polyurethane offers a resilient surface that absorbs shock, reduces injury risk, and provides excellent grip, while EPDM rubber is known for its weather resistance and energy absorption, protecting athletes’ joints during high-impact events.

These materials are sourced from Europe, China, and the U.S., which makes importing them a significant cost factor in Africa. 

Trade tensions and tariffs, such as those between the U.S. and China, could increase costs and disrupt supply chains, raising construction expenses and potentially delaying timelines. 

For African nations reliant on international suppliers, these challenges can place added strain on already limited budgets.

Financial Breakdown: Building World-Class Tracks

Building a top-tier athletic track can cost between $500,000 and $2 million, depending on location and design. 

This includes synthetic materials, specialised labour, and advanced timing systems. 

For example, Cape Town’s Athletics Stadium in South Africa, designed for international competitions, cost around $4 million in 2017. 

The 2024 Paris Olympics saw an estimated €100 million (roughly $110 million USD) invested in world-class athletics infrastructure, including tracks built to support elite performance.

World Athletics sets clear standards for competition tracks, including a 400-metre length, 1.22-1.25 metre wide lanes, and surfaces made from materials like polyurethane or EPDM rubber. 

Tracks must also feature high-precision timing systems, photo-finish cameras, digital scoreboards, and lighting for evening events, along with facilities for field events such as long jump, pole vault, and high jump.

Track maintenance is essential, with resurfacing required every 8–10 years at a cost of $200,000 to $500,000. Venue upkeep, such as maintaining stands and lighting, adds to the overall expenses. 

For example, Nyayo National Stadium in Kenya, which hosts regional events, has undergone resurfacing but still lacks the necessary upgrades to meet the standards required for world-class competitions. 

This highlights the ongoing challenge of track maintenance in many African countries, where long-term investment is needed to keep facilities competitive on the global stage.

Dominant Players in Track Supply

The market for athletic track materials and technology is dominated by a few key players, including Mondo, Spieth America, and Nike, each holding a significant share of the global market. 

Mondo, with over 70 years in the business, controls about 30 percent of the global market share in synthetic track surfaces. 

They have supplied tracks at events such as the Olympic Games and World Championships. 

Their high-quality products set the global standard for track construction, and they’ve provided tracks for African nations like South Africa and Nigeria, though their premium products come at a high cost due to superior materials and international shipping.

Spieth America, in business for over 60 years, holds 10–15 percent of the market share. 

They specialise in durable, high-performance track systems and also supply equipment for field events like pole vaulting and high-jump areas, offering comprehensive solutions for athletics venues. 

Their reputation for reliability has made them a trusted name in infrastructure. 

Nike, while known for its apparel and footwear, has captured a significant share of the track technology market over the past 50 years, providing timing systems, sensors, and performance analytics. 

Nike’s innovations enhance both the athlete experience and the fan experience, integrating innovative technology into new track designs.

The Challenges: Lack of Prioritisation and Underdeveloped Infrastructure

While African countries have a rich history of producing elite athletes, there is significant potential to further develop their athletics infrastructure. 

Nigeria, for instance, known for its top sprinters, could benefit from investment in modernising venues like the National Stadium in Lagos. 

Once a hub for international competitions, the stadium would benefit from upgrades that align with global standards. 

Despite challenges such as political instability and budget constraints, prioritising investment in athletics facilities would unlock new opportunities for the country, strengthening its position as a global athletics hub.

Similarly, Ethiopia, renowned for its distance runners, could enhance its athletics infrastructure. 

Although the country excels in road racing, expanding its capacity to host stadium-based events would allow athletes to compete at the highest level. 

Investing in world-class tracks could attract more international competitions, offering greater opportunities for local athletes, boosting tourism, and raising Ethiopia’s profile in global athletics.

Africa’s Athletics Renaissance: The Path to Global Dominance

Africa’s athletics future is brimming with potential. With major events ahead, African athletes are set to take their rightful place on the global stage. 

While challenges exist in building world-class tracks, the opportunities are vast. 

Through strategic planning, collaboration, and investment, Africa can elevate its athletes and become a hub for global athletics events. 

Africa’s time to lead in athletics is now – let us build the tracks that will shape its future.