Malabo, Equatorial Guinea – An ANOCA delegation, led by the Honourable Mustapha BERRAF, undertook an official working visit to the Republic of Equatorial Guinea from 1 to 3 August 2026 to assess progress of preparations for the Third African Beach Games Riaba 2027.
This strategic mission is part of ANOCA’s commitment to support the host country in organising a Continental sports event that meets the highest international standards, while strengthening ties between ANOCA and Equatorial Guinea.
The visit began with a working session on 1 August 2026, which resulted in relevant resolutions on an agenda dedicated to appointing the Local Organising Committee and specialised technical sub-committees for the African Beach Games, setting up an athlete registration platform, and finalising the list of sports selected for the third edition of the African Beach Games.
So far, 15 sports have been selected, namely: athletics, air badminton, 3×3 basketball, beach handball, canoeing, beach football, judo, karate, wrestling, open-water swimming, rowing, beach volleyball, taekwondo, tennis, teqball, and Akong, a traditional sport.
Other working sessions were held with the country’s top political and sports authorities.
Discussions provided an opportunity to assess progress of preparations and to review key focus areas, in particular sports facilities, the athletes’ village, transport, logistics, medical services, accommodation, security, and various technical arrangements essential to the success of the Games.
Speaking on the occasion, ANOCA President, the Honourable Mustapha BERRAF, highlighted the historical significance of the African Beach Games for sport development on the continent:
“The African Beach Games RIABA 2027 are much more than just a sports event. They are a great opportunity to promote sports excellence, empower African youths, and strengthen the unity of our continent through Olympic values. ANOCA remains fully committed to working alongside Equatorial Guinea to ensure that the Games are organised to the highest standards, for the benefit of the whole of Africa,” he said.
President BERRAF also emphasised, while commending Equatorial Guinean authorities, the need to speed up the establishment of coordination mechanisms among various stakeholders and to streamline decision-making processes to meet the deadline for completion of planned infrastructure and facilities.
“I would like to thank and appreciate the country’s highest authorities for their willingness to welcome young athletes from all 54 African nations for the 2027 African Beach Games. The success of Riaba 2027 will depend on collective commitment, rigorous planning, and ongoing cooperation between ANOCA, the Government of Equatorial Guinea, the Olympic Committee, sports federations and all partners involved. Our aim is to provide African athletes with the best possible conditions to showcase their talent and boost their sportis performance.“
The ANOCA delegation expressed satisfaction with the commitment shown by Equatorial Guinean authorities and commended their determination to deliver a memorable edition of the African Beach Games for the African continent. Accompanying the ANOCA President were ANOCA First Vice-President, Joao Manuel DA COSTA ALEGRE, and ANOCA Zone 4 President, Idriss Dokony ADIKER.
Following this visit, both parties reaffirmed their shared commitment to an ongoing dialogue and strengthening monitoring mechanisms to ensure the event is prepared as effectively as possible.
“ANOCA remains convinced that, through strong commitment, effective coordination, and a shared vision, Riaba 2027 will set the standard for the organisation of major African sports events and leave a lasting legacy for young people, sport, and the African Olympic Movement. Together, let us make Riaba 2027 a celebration of excellence, unity, and the future of African sport,” concluded Mustapha BERRAF.
