In just a few days, the capital cities of East Algeria, Annaba, Constantine, Sétif and Skikda, will be pulsating with the sounds of an unprecedented sports event that will go down in the history of African sport, the African School Games, which follow up on the ANOCA-ISF MoU signed during the Olympic Games Paris 2024.
The Games, scheduled from 26 July to 5 August 2025, are a ground breaking competition that will bring together 3,018 athletes and coaches from the 51 African countries duly registered for the event to be held under the most distinguished patronage of His Excellency the President of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria.
Championed by ANOCA and President Mustapha BERRAF, this historic initiative embodies a forward-looking vision to offer African youths a unique platform for sports excellence and cultural exchanges.
Never before has the continent witnessed a gathering on this scale, demonstrating the shared commitment of African nations to youth development.
Exceptional continental mobilisation to groom talents and build the future
The scale of this maiden edition far exceeds expectations. With 3,018 participants representing 51 African countries, these School Games are, from the outset, setting the bar very high in terms of participation, thus highlighting the extraordinary enthusiasm generated by the initiative. The massive mobilisation reflects the confidence African NOCs place in Algeria’s organisational prowess, and attests to the strategic importance of school sport development on the continent.
The countdown to this major event began with the unveiling of the Games’ official logo recently. This symbol, which will soon adorn sports facilities in Algeria, is more than just a visual: it embodies the hopes of an entire generation of young Africans, “today’s talents, tomorrow’s leaders”, ready to fly the colours of their continent.
ANOCA serving African youths
This initiative is directly in line with ANOCA’s core mission, which is to work tirelessly to organise elite sports competitions across Africa. Under the visionary leadership of the Honourable Mustapha BERRAF, the association has made school sport development one of its top priorities, recognising that sports education is an essential lever for youth development in Africa.
“These maiden African School Games are the outcome of a collective dream… We are witnessing the birth of a tradition that we hope will inspire future generations and help reveal promising sport talent on our continent,” ANOCA President Mustapha BERRAF underscored.
This philosophy, which aims to make the “African School Games a springboard for the champions of tomorrow”, extends above and beyond sports competition. ANOCA views the Games as a real laboratory for continental integration, where young Africans can get to know and appreciate each other and work together to build the future of African sport.
Algeria, legendary land of hospitality
The choice of Algeria to host this maiden edition was not fortuitous. Boasting a wealth of experience in the organisation of major sports events with its modern infrastructure, Algeria offers an ideal environment to host this major competition. And hosting it under the most distinguished patronage of the President of the Republic of Algeria testifies to the importance the country’s highest authorities attach to this exceptional gathering.
The official recognition at the highest level of the Algerian State guarantees organisational success and underscores the commitment of the Algerian authorities to sport development in Africa. It also illustrates Algeria’s desire to play a leading role in promoting Olympic and sports values on the continent.
Suffice it to note that Algeria’s Sports Minister, Walid SADI, a CAF EXCO member, is working hard to ensure the success of this major continental event.
Lasting legacy
Beyond the competition per se, these first-ever African School Games aim to bequeath a lasting legacy that will benefit the entire African Sports Movement. The young athletes who will participate in this inaugural edition will become the natural ambassadors of this new sports tradition in their respective countries. The event is also a catalyst for school sports infrastructure development across the continent, encouraging governments and institutions to invest more in physical and sports education for their young people.
Acknowledgements
Honourable Mustapha BERRAF wishes to express his deep gratitude to all African NOCs for their exemplary commitment in preparing this maiden edition. ‘‘Their mobilisation and dedication are the cornerstone of the success of this historic event,’’ he said.
President BERRAF equally expresses his sincere thanks to the Algerian Head of State for his patronage and unflagging support for African youths.
“This exceptional institutional support testifies to the recognition given to sport as a vehicle for the development and unity of our continent,” he added.
Appointment with history
In a few days, when the first whistle will be blown to kick off the maiden African School Games, all eyes across Africa will be on Algeria. The over 3,000 young athletes will bear the hopes and dreams of an entire continent, writing together the opening pages of yet another African sports story.
The event promises to be passionately followed by millions of fans across Africa and beyond, thus marking the beginning of a new era for continental school sports. These Games will launch a tradition that is expected to live on and grow from one edition to another, thereby contributing to build an Africa united by sport and driven by excellence.
Africa is resolutely on the road to real emergence.
