The 99 NOCs of both continents will gather on 28 March 2026 to celebrate thousands of years of fraternity and shared culture
ANOCA and OCA announced a joint strategic meeting via videoconference on 5 January 2026, in preparation for the Afro-Asian Cultural Event scheduled for 28 March 2026 in Kuwait City, marking a new era in the historic collaboration between the two youngest and most dynamic continents.
Under the theme ‘Silk to Sahara,’ the event will unite the 99 NOCs of Africa and Asia at the Sheikh Jaber Ahmed Scientific and Cultural Centre to celebrate thousands of years of cultural and sports ties binding the two continents.
A LONG-AWAITED RENAISSANCE
“Today we are writing a new chapter in Olympic history,” said the ANOCA President, Honourable Mustapha Berraf. “Africa and Asia are together for life and forever. Our two continents, populated by young people driving progress and modernity, are showing the entire world that when we join forces, everything is possible. I warmly thank His Royal Highness the Emir of Kuwait for allowing for the resumption of this exceptional and fraternal relationship.”
OCA Director General, Captain Hussein Al-Musallam, on the foundations of this collaboration: “Since 1982, Asia and Africa have enjoyed a special relationship based on common ground in culture, fraternity and friendship. After the first Afro-Asian Games in Hyderabad in 2009 and following our meeting in Bahrain, we decided to relaunch this collaboration through an annual event. In 2026, we are starting with culture, because the world needs peace, and sport combined with understanding and respect for cultures can bring it.”
ICONIC SYMBOLS, THE LION AND THE DRAGON:
The visual identity of this historic event is based on an innovative logo that combines two iconic symbols: the African lion and the Asian dragon, both representing nobility, wisdom and power. This artistic fusion perfectly embodies the strength of unity and values shared by both continents.
The theme ‘Silk to Sahara’ brings to mind the ancient trade routes that connected Asia and Africa: the Silk Road crossing East Asia to the Middle East, and the trans-Saharan trade routes linking North and South Africa. For centuries, these ancient routes facilitated the exchange of goods, knowledge and culture, forging an early connection between the two continents.
AN EXCEPTIONAL CULTURAL PROGRAMME
The evening of 28 March 2026 will feature a one-hour cultural show showcasing seven carefully selected artistic performances:
African performance:
• South Africa: Traditional Zulu group
• Central Africa: Ugandan artistic ensemble
• North Africa: Egyptian group
Asian performance:
• East Asia: Chinese troupe
• South Asia: Indian group
• Central Asia: Kazakh ensemble
Grand Finale: A spectacular collective performance by artists from the Gulf Cooperation Council (Oman, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain) who will be joined by all the African and Asian groups.
GENDER EQUALITY AT THE HEART OF THE EVENT
In a powerful symbolic gesture, and coinciding with the month of March celebrating International Women’s Day, ANOCA and OCA decided to invite not only the Presidents and Secretaries General of the 99 NOCs, but also the Women and Gender Commission Chairs of each NOC, demonstrating a strong commitment to gender equality.
IOC members in Africa and Asia, Continental Athletes’ Commission Chairs, and leading sports and institutional figures will also attend the historic event.
OCA will cover all participation expenses, including:
• Entry visas to Kuwait for all participants;
• Return air tickets;
• Accommodation in two luxury hotels connected to the largest shopping centre in the Gulf.
The official invitations, co-signed by President Mustapha Berraf and Mr Timothy Fok, will be sent this week to the 99 NOCs via a secure digital platform facilitating registration and visa issuance.
THREE-DAY PROGRAMME
• 26 March 2026: Arrival of delegations and ANOCA-OCA welcome reception at the Waldorf Hotel
• 27 March 2026: Joint meeting of the ANOCA and OCA Executive Boards, followed by a working lunch
• 28 March 2026: Cultural event at the Sheikh Jaber Ahmed Scientific and Cultural Centre at 8:00 p.m. (local time)
• 29 March 2026: Departure of delegations
GOING GLOBAL
The event will be live and in HD on all ANOCA and OCA digital platforms, including YouTube, plus a free signal available to all TV stations. This broadcasting strategy will enable millions of people across Africa, Asia and around the world to catch this historic moment.
“This collaboration goes far beyond sport,” said senior ANOCA officials. “The Olympic Movement is also about culture and education. This event sends a powerful message to the world: in a context marked by conflict, Africa and Asia are demonstrating that mutual understanding and respect for cultures can unite nations. This is a new awakening for the Olympic Movement, and we are proud to be its pioneers.”
A MODEL FOR THE FUTURE
‘Silk to the Sahara’ kicks off renewed annual collaboration between ANOCA and OCA. After culture in 2026, the following years will alternate between sports, educational and cultural events, creating a cycle of ongoing exchanges between the two continents.
“This initiative sets an example that other continents should copy,” noted an ANOCA Executive Committee member. “We are using sport as a way of life, combined with culture, to promote a more just and united society.”
ANOCA and OCA are currently working to confirm the participation of world-renowned African and Asian artists, as well as legendary Olympic gold medallists.
Speaking after the meeting, the ANOCA President underscored that “Africa and Asia are united for life and forever,” recalling that the two continents, the youngest and most dynamic in the world, have a special responsibility in building a future based on peace, solidarity and mutual respect.
Participants unanimously welcomed this exemplary initiative, which illustrates a modern vision of the Olympic Movement, where sport, culture, education, gender equality and youths are inseparable pillars.
A new era unfolds in Afro-Asian Olympism
ANOCA and OCA are flipping the script with the 2026 Afro-Asian Cultural Event, launching a lasting partnership that will inspire globally. Kuwait City will not only host the event, it will be the heartbeat a renewed intercontinental alliance, where sport and culture fuse to bridge nations and boost world peace.
