The General Assembly of ANOCA Zone VI convened in Windhoek from 5 to 7 March 2026 under the banner of solidarity and excellence, as delegates from the NOCs of Southern Africa gathered to take stock, discuss prospects and reaffirm their commitment to the African Olympic and Sports Movement. The meeting was graced by ANOCA President, Honourable Mustapha Berraf, who announced the construction of a football pitch at the Olympafrica Centre of NOC Namibia (NNOC) in Omaruru, as part of the strategic partnership between FIFA, the IOC and ANOCA.
High-level meeting
The Zone VI General Assembly brought together all member NOCs of the region, demonstrating the vitality and cohesion of this geographical area within the continental Olympic Movement. The official opening ceremony was presided at by Namibia’s Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture, Sanet Steenkamp, who hailed the fundamental role of government collaboration with Olympic committees and sports federations in building strong sports systems and creating opportunities for athletes and young people. She also noted Namibia’s historic attachment to the Olympic Movement, recognised by the International Olympic Committee since the early years of the country’s independence.
ANOCA President, Mustapha Berraf, availed himself of this opportunity to present a commemorative trophy to the President of the Republic of Namibia, Her Excellency Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, in recognition of Namibia’s commitment to sport development of and its support for the Olympic Movement.
The Minister received the trophy on behalf of the President, after which President Berraf conveyed the greetings of the Algerian President to his Namibian counterpart and an invitation to an official visit to Algeria from His Excellency Abdelmadjid Tebboune.
Pride, progress and good governance
President Berraf who is also an IOC member travelled to Namibia to address the delegates in person, a powerful gesture conveying a message of recognition and encouragement to the Zone VI Olympic Committees.
Speaking on the occasion, the ANOCA President expressed his satisfaction and pride regarding the efforts deployed by the region’s NOCs in support of youth and sport: “I came to Namibia specifically to express our satisfaction and pride in your tireless efforts, which are truly admirable.” President Berraf then lauded the remarkable cohesion that unites the Zone VI NOCs with their respective governments and urged them to stay focused on the path to progress, excellence and good governance.
The ANOCA President also stressed the importance of unity within the African Olympic family, pointing out that ANOCA is now recognised as the best continental organisation in the world, a distinction all members can be proud of. He also highlighted the invaluable opportunity represented by the IOC presidency under Kirsty Coventry, the first woman and first African to hold this position, as well as the fact that many international federation leaders are attentive to the continent’s challenges.
The African Games and the pathway to LA 2028
The ANOCA President took the opportunity to talk about the situation of the African Games, openly discussing the recent difficulties that have penalised the continent’s athletes. Recognising that organising the Games requires the concerted efforts of governments, the Olympic Movement and the host country, he reasserted ANOCA’s resolve to do everything possible to ensure that these competitions resume their role as qualifiers for the Olympic Games, which he termed “the only incentive we can offer”.
In this regard, summit meetings are planned in the coming weeks, notably with high-level authorities of the African Union in Cairo and Addis Ababa, to seek lasting solutions. With LA 2028 in sight, delegates also discussed ways of strengthening support for African athletes to be at their best on the occasion.
DAKAR 2026: Africa makes History
The year 2026 will be entirely devoted to the Dakar Youth Olympic Games – a historic first on African soil. That is why the ANOCA President has called for widespread mobilisation: “We absolutely must succeed. Together we will win, together we will succeed.” This unprecedented event represents a unique opportunity for the continent to demonstrate its ability to host the world’s biggest sports events.
A FIFA-standard football pitch
On the sidelines of the General Assembly, a major highlight of the ANOCA President’s visit will be the announcement of a major investment for Namibia: the construction of a FIFA-standard football pitch at the NNOC Olympafrica Centre in Omaruru. This project, a windfall of a strategic partnership between FIFA, the IOC and ANOCA, will boost grassroots sports development and improve access to quality infrastructure for young people in Namibia.
The ANOCA President emphasised that this new infrastructure will consolidate the role of the Olympafrica Centre as a hub for youth development, community sport and the promotion of Olympic values, offering more Namibians the opportunity to participate in well-organised elite sport.
The announcement was welcomed by the NNOC, which expressed its gratitude for the historic visit of the ANOCA President to the country, noting that it is of great value to Namibia and to sport development in the country. The NNOC said it was deeply honoured by the presence of Honourable Mustapha Berraf and grateful for the generous sponsorship, which will directly benefit young Namibian athletes.
Zone VI: an enviable track record and new expectations
Taking the floor on the occasion, the Zone VI President, Honourable Jappie Mhango, presented a positive assessment of regional activity. He welcomed the successful implementation of more than eight programmes aimed at developing Olympic sports, building institutional capacities and supporting member NOCs. Water sports were particularly honoured, with initiatives praised for their visible impact on regional sports development.
The Zone VI President emphasised the value of strong partnerships and targeted collaboration with regional stakeholders, highlighting that these relationships have become genuine platforms for programme implementation, safeguarding of athletes and exemplary governance. Beyond sports performance, the General Assembly afforded an opportunity to highlight the diplomatic dimension of the African Olympic Movement.
Unity as a compass
Attended by President Berraf, who not only graced the gathering of the Southern African Olympic family but also opened up major prospects for Namibia, this ANOCA Zone VI General Assembly will remain a highlight of strategic dialogue, planning and consolidation of solidarity among the Olympic Committees of the region. Far from being limited to speeches, this meeting confirmed the maturity and determination of a region which, driven by cherished Olympic values, intends to continue nurturing talent, upholding the values of sport and inspiring the next generation of African athletes.
For the Namibia National Olympic Committee, the ANOCA President’s visit is testament to the strong ties between Namibia and the leadership of the African Olympic Movement, and further strengthens cooperation aimed at expanding opportunities for young Africans to practise sport and pursue their dreams.
Echoed strongly at this ANOCA Zone VI General Assembly, the ANOCA President’s message is a rallying call: “Let’s stand united in fraternity, and everything becomes possible.”
