The ANOCA EXCO held an extraordinary meeting on 28 July 2025 in Annaba, on the sidelines of the Maiden African School Games.  On this occasion, the EXCO outlined major guidelines for solidarity-based and forward-looking governance, once again demonstrating its capacity to blend strategic vision, institutional solidarity and innovation to meet the aspirations of youths and sports in Africa.

Chaired by the Honourable Mustapha BERRAF, who also doubles as an IOC member and President of the Olympafrica Foundation, the meeting brought together statutory members and several officials of ANOCA specialised commissions. On this occasion, the EXCO assessed the implementation of the 2025-2028 quadrennial action plan and took structural decisions on ongoing projects.

“Our mission is to make sport a catalyst for social transformation, African unity and youth empowerment. Through these School Games, we are laying the foundations for a more equitable and forward-looking Africa in sport,’’ said Mustapha BERRAF at the opening ceremony.

Positive assessment of ongoing African School Games

The EXCO hailed the exemplary organisation of the Maiden African School Games in the cities of East Algeria, notably Annaba, Constantine, Skikda and Sétif. Committee members unanimously expressed their satisfaction with the reception, infrastructure, security and the atmosphere on the whole.

‘‘Athletes and their delegations are happy, and this clearly demonstrates that Africa masters the art of organising major events,’’ underscored one official after a tour of the Games village.

Discussions focused on logistical adjustments, particularly the fact that delegations were lodged at several sites, which affected their participation in the opening ceremony. The EXCO strongly recommended that delegations be brought together before official ceremonies for these key moments to be more solemn and unifying.

Focus on upcoming major events

The EXCO also discussed other events scheduled for the year, including the Gender Equality Forum, billed for 10 and 11 November 2025 in Burundi, to be overseen by the IOC Gender Equality Commission Chair, Mrs Lydia Nsekera. President BERRAF expressed his support for this initiative: “We must actively support women’s participation and fully consider the gender perspective in all our sports policies,” he said.

Another scheduled event is the Sustainability Forum, to be held in Tunis on 3 and 4 October 2025, which will focus on environmental protection and eco-friendly sport and is part of sustainability efforts that ANOCA is championing with conviction. Of course we have the African Youth Games Angola 2025, for which the Committee outlined detailed plans for the next preparatory stages, paying particular attention to inclusion and the qualification criteria for young athletes.

Strategic resolutions and fresh impetus

At the end of their meeting, EXCO members adopted several resolutions, including the approval of the 2025–2028 Olympic Solidarity programme, which aims to strengthen support for female coaches and technical staff. A strategic plan to promote women’s sport in Africa was adopted, with the contribution of Mrs Fatma SAMOURA, former FIFA Secretary General, for dedicated funding support.

Another resolution called for enhanced coordination with local organising committees, particularly ahead of Dakar 2026 and Luanda 2025, with a view to facilitating arrivals, inter-village communication and better organisation of official ceremonies. The EXCO also unanimously approved the mascot and logo for the School Games, presented by the local organising committee.

Consultation-based governance 

True to his inclusive approach, President BERRAF supported the idea of holding joint meetings between ANOCA and the relevant national committees to prepare for upcoming events: ‘‘Everyone needs to have a clear understanding of the situation and their responsibilities. Consultation is our best guarantee of success,’’ he insisted. The EXCO also hailed the new international strategic alliances and the growing positive image of ANOCA in global Olympic circles.

Africa on the move, united by sport

At the end of the meeting in Annaba, President Mustapha BERRAF lauded ANOCA’s capacity to anticipate, mobilise and build around strong values. While the Maiden African School Games Algeria 2025 mark a historic milestone, resolutions adopted by the EXCO in Annaba are already paving the way for a more innovative, united and performance-driven Africa in sport.

Vote of Thanks

At the end of deliberations, the EXCO, on behalf of ANOCA and all African NOCs, expressed its deep gratitude to His Excellency Abdelmadjid TEBBOUNE, President of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, for placing these Games under his most distinguished patronage, which gesture is not only ceremonial, but also illustrative of enlightened leadership that strongly believes that the future of our continent is built by and for its young people. The EXCO hailed the commitment of the President of the Republic, who remains a source of inspiration for all of Africa, and thanks to whom Algeria is welcoming the continent with grandeur, dignity and the warmth that only fraternal nations can offer.

ANOCA EXCO Resolutions and Decisions

At the ANOCA EXCO session in Annaba, several key resolutions and decisions were taken, while other points were presented, discussed or required future action. Here is an analysis of immediate resolutions and key plans:

• Approval of the African Youth Games Logo and Mascot: the logo and mascot proposed by Angola, the ‘‘Galinha d’Angola’’ (Chicken of Angola), for the African Youth Games, were officially approved by the EXCO;
• Acceptance of the Athletes’ Commission Stand Initiative: The Athletes’ Commission’s proposal to mount a stand dedicated to raising awareness, sharing experiences and promoting African champions was approved. ANOCA President Mustapha BERRRAF even undertook to oversee the initiative, stressing the involvement of prominent women;
• Guidelines on Inspection Tour Planning: A working guide was drawn up, requesting ANOCA to set specific dates for inspection tours to sports facilities for better organisation of the Games and avoid ad hoc visits, particularly for sports that have not yet organised test events;
• Decision to organise Joint Meeting: A joint meeting will be organised between the local Organising Committee and ANOCA to finalise arrangements and clarify preparations for the Games;
• Commitment to IOC logo advocacy: ANOCA President Mustapha BERRAF took the initiative of requesting IOC authorisation to include the IOC logo on the African Youth Games media, a move that aligns with the desire to make these Games qualifiers for the Youth Olympic Games;
• Approval of the Invitation of Female Sports Ambassadors: The proposal to invite iconic African sportswomen to the Gender Equality Forum to share their experiences and inspire young people, received positive approval;
• Decision to Study the Inclusion of Mini-football: ANOCA will study the request to include mini-football as a new discipline at the African Youth Games, and the Secretary General will communicate the final decision. The need for FIFA approval was emphasised, given existing agreements and relations between ANOCA, the IOC and FIFA.

Presentation of Key Discussion Points and Plans

– Overall Organisation of the Games in Angola

*The African Youth Games will be held in six Angolan cities: Luanda, Benguela, Lubango, Uambu, Mossamedes and Cachito;

*The sports programme features 32 disciplines, inspired by the programme of the Dakar Games;

*Angola committed to respecting gender-equal participation for athletes;

*Sports and accommodation facilities will meet international standards, including warm-up tracks and throwing areas for athletics (with the exception of pole vaulting);

*Transport expenses for athletes from one city to another (notably by air from Luanda to Benguela) will be borne by Angola;

*An accreditation system allowing pre-accreditation for entry into Angola, to be finalised on arrival (serving as a visa system), is underway;

*A Chefs de Mission manual should be ready within one or two weeks;

*Educational, cultural and recreational programmes will be offered for young athletes, as well as an anti-doping education programme in collaboration with WADA;

*All competition and accommodation facilities will be connected to the Internet, with a streaming service;

*There will be a main Games Village near the new Luanda airport, serving as a central point for arrivals and departures. All athletes will be present in Luanda for the opening ceremony before moving on to the Villages in various host cities.

– Gender Equality Forum (Burundi)

*The forum is scheduled for 10 and 11 November in Burundi. However, there will be arrivals on 9 November for sports and cultural activities;

*The programme, approved by the IOC, will focus on the development of African women’s sport, the role of women coaches, NOC support with strategic plans and funding;

*The President of the Republic of Burundi has been informed and will be attending the opening ceremony. A gala evening featuring the presentation of the 2023 and 2024 IOC trophies has also been planned;

*Accommodation will be in three hotels, with a special hotel for women to create a special atmosphere;

*The registration system is set and is awaiting ANOCA’s authorisation to be launched.