Helps small businesses  There is a big benefit for small businesses in hosting the large sporting events. The hosting of the tournament in 2012 has been credited by African Economic Outlook with playing a role in the “robust” economic growth in the country in that year turning the country around from negative growth in 2009 [1] . The 2013 Africa Cup of Nations was credited with 10,000 jobs and helping the tourist sectors of the South African economy, [2] Gabon would have received a similar boost.  [1] NN, “Gabon”, African Economic Outlook, no date,   [2] NN, “Africa Cup of Nations 2013 to boost SMEs in South Africa”, MSME News Network, 2013,