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ANOCA President, Mustapha Berraf, is a visionary leader who has breathed a new lease of life into African sport. Thanks to his leadership and strategic vision, ANOCA has been able to strengthen ties with African nations and promote sport development on the continent. In this interview, he shares his insights on the maiden African School Games Algeria 2025, outlining his immediate agenda and priorities, buoyed by the event’s groundbreaking success.

ANOCA Magazine: How does the ANOCA President feel after the resounding success of maiden African School Games Algeria 2025?

Mustapha Berraf: “I am deeply delighted and absolutely satisfied with the resounding success of the inaugural African School Games, a dream come true. I am happy that young African athletes were able to come together and share their passion for sport. The success of the Games testifies to the unwavering dedication and tireless efforts of the entire ANOCA team, in conjunction with African NOCs and the Algerian authorities, whose collective support was instrumental in bringing this vision to life.

I would like to pay tribute to the Algerian authorities, and in particular to the President of the Republic, who believed in this great project, inspired it and supported it in every way possible, notably by making participation free of charge, mobilising enormous human and material resources, and creating a conducive environment that led to this exceptional success.

I would be remiss not to extend my warmest thanks to President Thomas Bach, who encouraged this historic initiative. I am proud of what my team and I have achieved, working in perfect harmony with IOC members in Africa, and in particular with Mrs Kirsty Coventry, our wonderful IOC President.

What is your assessment of these Games, from an organisational standpoint, in terms of how they unfolded and ended?

I believe that the Games were an organisational success on all fronts. They brought together many young athletes from across the continent, and the competitions were of a high standard. The sports infrastructure in Algeria are impeccable, and the athletes and officials were hosted in a warm and friendly atmosphere. The closing ceremony was a thrilling moment, with artistic and cultural performances that highlighted the wealth and diversity of the African continent.

What are the prospects for ANOCA and its President with regard to the future of the African Olympic Movement in general, notably the organisation of competitions and the next African School Games in particular?

The maiden African School Games have opened up new prospects for the African Olympic Movement. We will continue to work to promote sport and Olympic values in Africa, and we are already planning the next African School Games. We will also continue to support African NOCs and sports federations to help them develop their programmes and promote sport in their countries.

At the end of this continental event that thrilled young people across the entire continent, can you talk about some successful actions undertaken since you took over the helm of ANOCA?

I am proud of what we have achieved at ANOCA since I became President. We have worked hard to promote sport and Olympic values in Africa, and have achieved significant results. The maiden African School Games are an example of our determination to drive sport development in Africa and provide opportunities for young athletes. We will continue to work to achieve our goals and make sport a tool for development and peace in Africa.

What is your immediate agenda as the curtains are drawn on the maiden African School Games Algeria 2025?

I will continue working on ongoing projects and planning the next steps for ANOCA. We will also draw lessons from and evaluate this maiden edition of the African School Games to help improve future events.

We will endeavour to work on strengthening ties with international sports organisations, such as the IOC. I will also meet with African NOCs and sports federations to discuss the next steps and explore opportunities for collaboration. We will continue to promote sport and Olympic values in Africa, providing opportunities for young athletes to achieve their dreams.

Throughout my tenure at the helm of the African Olympic Movement, I will pay close attention to the future of our young athletes, from schoolchildren to elite athletes, always prioritising education and fair play in sport and in life. They are all our children; let’s love them and surround them with our deepest affection. They fully deserve it.