Algiers hosts the meeting of Heads of Mission for the first African School Games on May 19 and 20, 2025
26 October 2025
On May 19 and 20, 2025, the Algerian capital hosted the meeting of the Heads of Mission from African countries participating in the inaugural edition of the African School Games, scheduled from July 26 to August 5, 2025.
This first gathering brought together representatives of 54 African National Olympic Committees, marking an essential step in defining general arrangements and ensuring that all stakeholders are well prepared for the success of this unprecedented continental event.
This high-level meeting was part of broad coordination among the various organizing bodies. It was organized under the aegis of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA), in partnership with the International School Sport Federation (ISF), with the support of the International Olympic Committee and the Union of African Olympic Sports Federations (CASOL).
The meeting’s agenda covered organizational, technical, and logistical aspects of the Games, as well as the challenges and opportunities associated with a school sports event of this scale. The importance of this edition was also highlighted for promoting Olympic values, fostering continental integration, and preparing a new generation of African athletes capable of representing the continent in future international competitions.
In his opening speech, the President of ANOCA, Mustapha Berraf, stated that this meeting represents “a crucial step towards building a sporting Africa that starts with schools and invests in youth,” adding that “uniting efforts and coordinating early on will be the key to the success of this first edition.”
The African School Games, organized under the high patronage of the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, aim to go beyond mere sports competition by promoting cultural exchange, discovering young talents, and fostering educational and civic values among African youth.
Participating delegations expressed their satisfaction with Algeria’s level of preparation, particularly in the four host cities: Annaba, Constantine, Sétif, and Skikda, commending the excellent organization and efforts made to ensure the best conditions for the success of the event.
