Your Excellencies,
Distinguished NOC Presidents,
Dear champions, dear women of African sport,
On this International Women’s Day, celebrated worldwide on 8 March 2026 under the theme: ‘‘Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls’’,
ANOCA pays a solemn, respectful and deeply grateful tribute to all women and girls in Africa, and in particular to those who work tirelessly with courage, skill and determination within the African Olympic and Sports Movement.
Recognising and honouring the exceptional contributions of women to our society, our culture and our sport, I, as ANOCA President, proudly pay tribute to all the women who have made and continue to make history in our Olympic and Sports Movement.
You are the cornerstones of our families, our communities and our nations. You are champions of excellence, resilience and solidarity.
From fields of play to boardrooms, you are present, you are committed, you inspire, and you effect change. You are ambassadors for Olympism, promoters of peace, unity and understanding among nations.
I have in mind our female athletes who have broken barriers, challenged conventions and shown the world what it means to be a strong and determined African woman. I think of our coaches, our leaders, and our volunteers who work proudly to support and encourage our young talents.
African women are the foundation of our communities. They are the custodians of values, transmitters of traditions, the educators of future generations and the silent builders of our societies.
Your contribution is invaluable, your impact profound, and your legacy eternal. ANOCA proudly supports, encourages and celebrates you.
In our African traditions, women are much more than just members of society; they are its central pillar, the source of warmth and wisdom around which life is organised and thrives. Our philosophy of Ubuntu: ‘‘I am because we are’’, finds its purest and noblest expression in African women. And in the sports arena, this philosophy takes on its full meaning as every victory for an African woman is a victory for all of Africa.
On this International Women’s Day, I urge you to continue breaking barriers, pushing boundaries and inspiring future generations. You are the heroines of our continent, the custodians of our values and the architects of our future.
To you all, ANOCA extends its most sincere gratitude, its deepest admiration, and its most sacred promise to accompany, support and celebrate you, not only on this 8 March, but every day, in every decision, and in every struggle.
‘‘African women are not only the future of African sport, but its present strength, its very heartbeat and its ever-burning light.’’
With pan-African fraternity, pride and love for African sport,
Long live African women!
Long live African Olympism!
Mustapha BERRAF
ANOCA President
IOC Member
ANOC Vice President
President of the Olympafrica Foundation
