As part of the preparations for the event, the Ethiopian government paid five million Ethiopian birr (around US$250,000) to renovate the host stadium's athletics facilities. The Ethiopian Minister for sport, Abdissa Yadeta, cited the improved international image and promotion of athletics internally as the justifications for the investment. The Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation held the rights to broadcast the competition and its opening and closing ceremonies on television in the host country, while a French broadcaster held the worldwide broadcasting rights.[2]
The Confederation of African Athletics hosted its two-day congress in the city's African Union Hall, prior to the championships; the serving president Hamad Kalkaba Malboum was re-elected for a third term.[3] Cultural events were also staged alongside the sports competition, with the Ethiopian National Theatre holding concerts to promote the nation's music. Reflecting concern around the Ebola virus epidemic in West Africa, all foreign delegations were screened for the virus upon arrival. The total budget for the hosting costs of the championships (excluding the stadium investment) was estimated at 30 million Ethiopian birr (around USD$1.5 million).[4]
nb The women's 4×400 m relay had three entering teams Nigeria, Ethiopia and Kenya, but the bronze medal was not awarded as the Kenya team were disqualified.
