The ANOCA Executive Committee convened in Luanda on 13 December 2025, on the sidelines of the African Youth Games, for a pivotal strategic session that marked a significant milestone in sport development on the continent. The meeting, which coincided with the 50th anniversary celebrations of Angola’s independence, saw ANOCA announce historic partnerships and chart a roadmap for the Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2026.
TRANSFORMATIVE PARTNERSHIPS FOR AFRICAN SPORT
ANOCA unveiled a series of groundbreaking agreements set to revolutionise access to sport for millions of young Africans. A flagship initiative is the landmark partnership with FIFA, entailing the construction of 50 football pitches across Olympafrica centres across the continent. This deal, sealed with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, targets youths from disadvantaged neighbourhoods and underprivileged areas.
“These partnerships are not just agreements on paper. They represent our unyielding commitment to democratising access to sport and creating the conditions necessary for every young African, regardless of their background, to achieve their sporting dreams,” said the ANOCA President and IOC member, Mustapha Berraf. 671569113
Other landmark deals agreements were announced, notably with World Aquatics to provide swimming pools to NOCs and federations lacking these facilities, the International Basketball Federation to drive 3×3 basketball development, and with the International Canoe Federation to provide competition equipment in this discipline.
EXCEPTIONAL OUTCOMES: ABOVE 100% ACHIEVEMENT RATE
The Executive Committee reviewed stellar achievements since 2023, including:
- Successful organisation of the African Beach Games Hammamet (31 countries, 16 sports, 2,300+ participants);
- Historic launch of the African School Games (4,000+ athletes, 35 sports);
- Exceptional Olympic Games Paris 2024 performance (12 African nations won 39 medals);
- African Athlete Support Programme with a budget of $2 million, which supported 48 athletes, driving breakthroughs like Botswana’s first Olympic gold (Letsile Tebogo) and Africa’s first gold medal in artistic gymnastics (Algeria’s Kaylia Nemour).
OLYMPAFRICA CENTRES AT THE HEART OF THE DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY
The session spotlighted Olympafrica centres as pivotal talent incubators, with Exco members advocating for increased investment in these facilities, strategically located near disadvantaged neighbourhoods, to identify and train future champions across sports disciplines.
“Olympafrica centres are much more than just sports facilities. They are places where our young people can flourish, learn and find hope. That is why we continue to invest heavily in their development,” added President Berraf.
The NOC headquarters construction project is also progressing. Following the commissioning of the Eswatini NOC headquarters in February 2023, several other countries are progressing well.
CHALLENGES IDENTIFIED AND SOLUTIONS PROPOSED
The session tackled ongoing challenges, including crippling customs duties on sports equipment donated to NOCs, reaching up to 60% of equipment value in some countries. ANOCA is pushing governments for tax exemptions on these development-focused donations. Discussions also covered recognising new sports, notably MMX (Mixed Martial Arts X), with the Executive Committee stressing adherence to IOC processes prior to continental recognition.
HAILING ANGOLA’S COMMITMENT
The President of NOC Angola received heartfelt thanks for hosting the African Youth Games, overcoming logistical hurdles. The event, timed with Angola’s 50th independence anniversary, embodies the nation’s dedication to African youth and Olympic ideals.
COLLABORATIVE GOVERNANCE AND TRANSPARENCY
Upholding its democratic governance principles, ANOCA reaffirmed its commitment to collaborative decision-making. All session discussions on programmes and projects will be presented to the General Assembly, seeking input from 54 member NOCs before a final decision is made.
DAKAR 2026: A HISTORIC CHALLENGE FOR AFRICA
One of the highlights of the session was the presentation of the 2026 action plan, which is entirely focused on the success of the Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2026, the first Olympic event to be held on African soil.
“2026 will be pivotal for the African Olympic Movement. With the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, we bear a historic responsibility. There is no room for failure. That is why we will mobilise all our resources and energy to make this event a resounding success that will go down in the annals of African sport,” President Berraf said with determination.
The ANOCA Athletes’ Commission, chaired by Namibia’s Gabi Ahrens, will be closely involved in the preparations for Dakar 2026, with 10 places reserved for African Olympians in the eight-month training programme.
WAY FORWARD AND UPCOMING DEADLINES
Having met its objectives above 100%, ANOCA is looking ahead to 2026 with confidence and optimism. Side events to the African Youth Games, including the Sustainability Forum and the Seminar for Secretaries General, are currently in the pipeline.
The multiple strategic partnerships, investment in infrastructure, support for athletes and meticulous preparation for Dakar 2026 testify to the dynamism and long-term vision of ANOCA under President Berraf’s stewardship.
“We are building the future of African sport brick by brick, partnership by partnership, athlete by athlete. Every young person who walks through the doors of an Olympafrica centre, every medal won by our champions, every piece of infrastructure built is a victory for our continent. Together, we are penning a new page in Africa’s sports history,” concluded President Berraf.
Deliberations were conducted in a serene, professional atmosphere. At the end of the session, Executive Committee members extended their warm congratulations to the ANOCA President, whose inspiring vision and strategic foresight were widely hailed. Under his enlightened leadership, ANOCA continues to grow, strengthening its role as the supreme governing body of sport and Olympism in Africa.
