The Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa held an Extraordinary General Assembly virtually this week with 76 delegates to coordinate the African School Games in Algeria and the African Youth Games in Angola, thus betting on grassroots sports as a breeding ground for talent.
Called ‘The African Games of the Future’, the session was chaired by ANOCA President Mustapha Berrraf and brought together representatives of the National Olympic Committees of Africa, as well as various key figures of the continental Olympic Movement, with the aim of advancing the preparation of both competitions and ensuring optimal coordination at the organisational level.
The debates focused on logistical, technical, and structural aspects, with the common goal of turning these games into platforms of excellence for the identification and promotion of young sporting talents in Africa. Berraf reminded attendees that school sports are the cradle of the development of young athletes, who are destined to become the true champions of the future. He urged the entire African Olympic family to redouble efforts to curb the talent drain to other places.
In his opening speech, Berraf emphasised that the session’s objective was to address the participation of African countries in these sporting events and discuss the opportunities they offer for the discovery and promotion of young athletes on the continent. “We will discuss their presence in the School Games and the Youth Games, and the prospects for our future talents,” he stated.
On the occasion of the first African School Games to be held in Algeria from 26 July to 5 August 2025, the Assembly announced that the Heads of Mission meeting is scheduled for 19 and 20 May 2025. To date, 48 NOCs have already confirmed their participation in this preparatory meeting, demonstrating the enthusiasm generated by this new continental school sports competition.
The representative of the Organising Committee of the African School Games provided more details on logistics, particularly on the management of delegations and the means of transport to be implemented. Additionally, participants enjoyed a question-and-answer session where they expressed their concerns about all organisational aspects of these inaugural games.
The renowned member of the International Olympic Committee, Aïcha Garad, intervened to highlight the urgency of implementing solid youth development plans on the continent and stressed the need to “monitor young Africans,” as she understands they are “our strength and the future of our continent.”
Garad also thanked Algeria for the logistical and financial efforts invested in these first School Games and congratulated ANOCA for its far-reaching initiatives. The Assembly unanimously expressed its gratitude to the Algerian people and the President of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria for “their unwavering commitment to the development of sport in Africa and their constant support for the youth of the continent.”
Regarding the fourth edition of the African Youth Games, scheduled from 10 to 20 December in Angola, the Assembly confirmed that the Heads of Mission meeting will be held in September, on a date yet to be determined, and will serve to finalise logistical preparations and strengthen coordination between the Angolan Organising Committee and the participating delegations. The delegates praised the enthusiasm and involvement of the Angolan authorities and directed special thanks to the President of the Republic of Angola, João Lourenço, for his “decisive support in organising this important event for young African athletes.”
During the session, the presidents of the National Olympic Committees of Algeria and Angola took the floor to answer questions posed by attendees and explain the various measures adopted to ensure the success of both events. The Assembly positively valued the transparency of the leaders and the clarity in the presentation of the work plans.
Another highlight was the intervention of Balázs Major, Director of the National Event Delivery Agency of Hungary, who gave a presentation on plans to create skateboarding and BMX platforms in Africa. These disciplines, recently incorporated into the Olympic programme, according to him, offer new training opportunities for athletes on the continent.
In his closing remarks, Berraf focused on the commitment shown by all delegates and highlighted the importance of continuing to strengthen the role of sport in the comprehensive development of African youth. “We are all products of school sports; let us help today’s children through sport, just as our elders did with us. Let us help them become accomplished men and women, determined towards modernity and solidarity,” he stated.
