Africa will stage several big events over the next four years, with the first of those the upcoming Youth Olympics in the Senegalese capital Dakar from 31 October to 13 November.
South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia will host next year’s men’s Cricket World Cup, while the men’s Fifa World Cup will return to the continent for the first time since 2010 when Morocco co-hosts alongside Spain and Portugal in 2030.
Yego feels the landmark of seeing athletics’ flagship competition on African soil should give the rest of the continent belief in their abilities to put on major events.
“As Africans, we need to think big and plan ahead and think ‘Yes, it is possible for Africa to host a championship like the World Championships’.
“Same of course for the Olympics. Africa hosted the World Cup in 2010 in South Africa, so I think we’re capable of hosting big events.
“Let’s dream of hosting the Olympics and bring the best of the world in sports to Africa – to feel Africa, to enjoy Africa.”
Both Egypt and South Africa have previously said they want to host the 2036 Olympics.
Yego’s positive view is shared by Gebrselassie, who also hopes other cities will gain the confidence to bid for global events.
“This is a big chance, not only in sport, in economy, politics. Now Africans can do anything they want,” the 53-year-old said.
“If Nairobi can host this championship, why not Addis Ababa? Why not Lagos or South Africa, Uganda, Rwanda?
“In 2029, I think the whole world will be surprised at how well they (Kenya) host.”