The executive committee met in Abuja last week to set out its four-year strategic plan for 2025-2028, with new appointments, key events and a firm commitment to innovation, regional development and cooperation with the IOC.
Hosted in Nigeria and chaired by Mustapha Berraf, the executive committee of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa held its 64th Ordinary Session, the first since the start of the new term, where the main priorities for Africa’s Olympic cycle up to 2028 were outlined.
Host and President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Engr Habu Gumel, who was re-elected as ANOCA treasurer general, welcomed delegates and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to the organisation, which is based in the capital.
On behalf of the federal government, Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, pledged full institutional and financial support, noting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu “is fully committed to ensuring the effective and sustainable operation of ANOCA on Nigerian soil”, in line with the RHINSE policy aimed at boosting the national sports economy.
Berraf, meanwhile, highlighted the upcoming change of leadership within the International Olympic Committee, paying tribute to the legacy of President Thomas Bach and looking forward to working closely with his successor, Kirsty Coventry, who will take office on 24 June.
In her virtual address, Coventry expressed her willingness to work closely with ANOCA. The Executive Committee welcomed the involvement of the former Zimbabwean Olympic swimmer and recognised her strong commitment to sports development across the continent.
The meeting confirmed an ambitious sports calendar, including the African School Games in Algeria (5-13 July 2025), the Youth Games in Angola (December 2025), the 14th African Games in Cairo (20 January to 7 February 2027) and the Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2026 (31 October to 13 November 2026).
A new Forum on Sport and Artificial Intelligence was also announced, to be held in Abidjan on 27 and 28 June, marking ANOCA’s official entry into the digital age. The company Zedmy has been invited to present a concrete proposal for AI support services.
Institutional restructuring was another key issue, with key appointments confirmed: Alfred Foloko as head of the Marketing Commission, Spencer Fortes as head of the Gender Equality Commission, Joao da Costa Alegre as overall Games Coordinator and Abderrahmane Ethmane as head of the Finance Commission. Leadership roles were also confirmed for the Medical, Legal, Governance and Legislation Commissions to strengthen the organisation’s internal structure.
In parallel, several strategic meetings were scheduled, including the Gender Equality Forum in Burundi (November), a Seminar for Secretaries General in Mozambique (September) and the Sustainability Forum in Tunisia (October). The next Executive Committee meeting will take place in Algiers during the School Games.
One of the most important decisions taken was the creation of a working group to explore a reorganisation of ANOCA’s zonal structure, taking into account geographical, linguistic and cultural affinities in order to promote more equitable development. Each zone will be expected to take greater responsibility for organising regional events and promoting young talent, with a funding model that rewards active participation and penalises inactivity.
The meeting concluded in a constructive and collaborative atmosphere, with thanks to the Nigerian government for its hospitality and institutional support. As well as setting the course for the future of African Olympic sport, the meeting made clear ANOCA’s intention to establish itself as a key player – with a solid foundation, a clear long-term vision and ever stronger institutional links within and beyond the continent.
Courtesy:insidethegame
