Abuja, Nigeria – 15 April 2025
The 64th Ordinary Session of the ANOCA Executive Committee was held on 14 and 15 April 2025 in Abuja, Nigeria, chaired by Mr Mustapha Berraf. This first meeting of the new mandate (2025-2028) was an opportunity for the members elected last March in Algiers to lay the foundations for a promising quadrennial for Olympic sports in Africa.
Renewed support from the host country
In his opening address, Engr Habu Gumel, President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee and re-elected ANOCA Treasurer General, warmly welcomed Executive Committee members, while highlighting Nigeria’s continued commitment to the organisation headquartered in Abuja.
Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of Nigeria’s National Sports Commission, reasserted the total support of the federal government of Nigeria for ANOCA. He underscored that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is fully committed to providing all the necessary support for the smooth running of the organisation and its lasting presence in Nigeria, referencing the Renewed Hope for Nigerian Sports Economy (RHINSE) initiative aimed at developing the national sports economy.
Looking forward to the Olympics and tribute to leaders
President Mustapha Berraf highlighted recent developments within the international Olympic movement, hailing President Thomas Bach’s exceptional contribution to the sustainability of the Olympic Movement in times of global crisis. He also expressed ANOCA’s enthusiasm to work with Ms Kirsty Coventry, IOC President-elect, who will take office on 24 June as the first woman to head this organisation.
Ms Coventry’s virtual presence was particularly welcomed by the Executive Committee, which expressed its total availability to assist her in her missions at the helm of the International Olympic Movement. The ANOCA President stressed the future IOC President’s expressed commitment to continue working for sport development in Africa during her tenure.
A forward-looking agenda for African sport
The deliberations of the meeting focused on the implementation of the 2025-2028 ANOCA Action Plan approved during the 22nd General Assembly in Algiers. The members confirmed the following schedule of major events for the continent:
– The maiden African School Games in Algeria (August 2025)
– The Youth Games in Angola (10-20 December 2025)
– The 14th African Games in Cairo
– The Youth Olympic Games in Dakar 2026
Strategic appointments for a stronger Institution
The Executive Committee made some major appointments to its commissions:
– Marketing Commission to be chaired by Mr Alfred Foloko, assisted by Mr Ben N. Mensah
– Gender Equality Commission
To be chaired by Ms Spencer A. Fortes Filomena Maria
– Coordinator of all ANOCA Games: Mr Joao Manuel da Costa Alegre
– Finance Commission to be chaired by Mr Abderrahmane Ethmane
– Medical and Anti-Doping Commission to be chaired by Dr Olajide Ajibola, with Dr Chouiter Feriel as Vice Chair
– Legal Affairs Commission to be chaired by Mr Mehrez Boussayene
– Legislation, Litigations and Governance Commission to be chaired by Barrister Sani Garun Gabbas
Innovation and development
ANOCA also marked its entry into the digital era by approving several technological initiatives, including the organisation of a Forum on Sport and Artificial Intelligence in Abidjan on 27 and 28 June 2025. The Committee recognised Zedmy’s interest in providing AI support services and invited them to submit a detailed proposal.
In addition, the Committee approved the legal processing and registration of the ANOCA Games, logos and intellectual property with the Industrial Court of Nigeria and the EU.
Schedule of forums and seminars
Several strategic events have been scheduled:
– Gender Equality Forum in Burundi (2 and 3 November 2025)
– Seminar for Secretaries General in Maputo, Mozambique (September 2025)
– Sustainability Forum in Tunisia (2-5 October 2025)
Reorganisation of zonal structure and regional development
A major decision was taken as to how Zones can be energised. The Executive Committee approved the creation of a working group to study the reorganisation of the zonal structure, taking into account geographical, linguistic and cultural similarities. Zone presidents were tasked to ensure the organization of games in their regions and encourage the participation of budding talents.
The EXCO further prescribed more stringent management of funds allocated to Zones, and that resources allocated to inactive Zones be redirection to active zones, in accordance with annual plans and budgets.
Looking Forward
The Executive Committee decided to hold a virtual Extraordinary General Assembly to address issues related to all future ANOCA Games. The next meeting is billed for Algeria in August 2025, on the sidelines of the maiden African School Games.
Conclusion
At the end of it all, the Executive Committee congratulated President Mustapha Berraf on the tact and competence with which he had conducted the deliberations. The meeting went on in an atmosphere of responsibility, mutual understanding and fraternity, which testifies to the unity and solidarity within the African Olympic Movement.
The President and the Members of the Executive Committee expressed their gratitude to the Nigerian Government for its support and great solicitude. They expressed their pride at receiving the salutations of His Excellency, BOLA AHMED TINUBU, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, through the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, and requested the latter to convey the expression of their profound respect and most esteemed consideration to His Excellency the President of the Republic.
