An ANOCA delegation led by President Mustapha BERRAF, was in Addis Ababa, capital city of Ethiopia, for a working visit as from Monday, 10 August 2026.
The agenda featured in-depth discussions on strengthening relations ahead of the forthcoming African Games billed for Cairo, Egypt.
It all began with a working session held with H.E. Ambassador Amma Adomaa Twum-Amoah, AU Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, in the presence of the AUSC secretariat. The meeting was co-chaired by the ANOCA President, who was accompanied by a strong delegation comprising some ANOCA Executive Committee members.
Opening the session, the African Union Commissioner stated that it was a highly anticipated gathering and that she hoped it would be conducted with the utmost transparency, paving the way for strengthened and harmonious cooperation. She added that this could only be achieved through the mutual efforts of each party to work together for economic and social development through sport.
In reaction, the ANOCA President clearly stated the institution’s intention to pursue direct and close cooperation, focused on good governance in the interest of African athletes.
He noted that ANOCA wishes to resolve the persistent disagreements regarding the organisation of the African Games, citing the 12th edition as an example.
He further stressed the importance of organising credible, performance-oriented continental Games, emphasising the need for qualifiers to raise the level of competition and, above all, to give African athletes the opportunity to realise their Olympic dreams.
In reaction, the Commissioner expressed her conviction that the efforts made by each party and the arguments put forward to reunify the ranks would be commensurate with our vast continent, and that it was crucial to find a middle ground. She expressed confidence in the outcome of the working session regarding the African Games in Cairo.
The parties agreed to allocate a few days for internal consultations within the AU, to consult with the AU legal advisor in order to chart a way forward for long-term collaboration focused on unity. They also agreed on a joint and transparent approach that would allow African athletes to showcase their potential on the continental and global stage.
Audience with the AU Commission Chair
The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, received the ANOCA delegation in audience on Tuesday 11 August 2026.
Discussions focused on the pivotal role of sport as a vehicle for continental integration and the expansion of youth competitions. The Commission Chair reiterated the AU’s support for the athlete development and Olympic qualifiers on our continent.
ANOCA and the AU are thus opening a decisive new chapter that would safeguard athletes’ interests and promote African sport on the international stage.
Speaking after the audience, President Mustapha BERRAF said:
“I am extremely pleased and convinced that, through dialogue and consultation, African sport will turn a new page in its history. I would like to thank the African Union for its commitment to and support of the African Olympic and Sports Movement. Together, we will offer African youths the opportunity to realise their dreams through sport and the Olympic movement.”
President BERRAF also took the opportunity to congratulate H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, whilst wishing him every success during his tenure.
At the conclusion of this pivotal meeting, a joint and solemn decision was taken:
“ANOCA and the AU will work together, in harmony and in strict compliance with the Olympic Charter, to cooperate closely in the interest of African athletes and the African Olympic Movement.”
This joint decision lays the foundations for a strategic partnership that will benefit all 54 ANOCA members. It marks the recognition, at the highest continental level, of the key role that sport plays in pushing Africa’s development agenda.
