What are the African Games?
The African Games are the continental multi-sport games of Africa, gathering national teams from over 50 African nations every four years across an Olympic-style program. First held in Brazzaville in 1965, they are the continent's flagship sporting event.[1] [2]
Who organizes the African Games?
The Games are governed by the African Union Sports Council together with the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) and the Association of African Sports Confederations (AASC), with each edition staged by a host organizing committee.[1] [2]
When and where are they held?
Every four years, in the pre-Olympic year. The 14th edition goes to Cairo, Egypt in 2027; the 13th was hosted by Accra, Ghana (held in March 2024 after postponement).[1] [2]
| Season | Pool / Format | Host cities |
|---|---|---|
| 2027 | 14th | Cairo (EGY) — upcoming |
| 2023 | 13th | Accra (GHA) — held March 2024, postponed |
| 2019 | 12th | Rabat (MAR) |
| 2015 | 11th | Brazzaville (CGO) — 50th-anniversary return |
| 2011 | 10th | Maputo (MOZ) |
| 2007 | 9th | Algiers (ALG) |
| 2003 | 8th | Abuja (NGR) |
| 1999 | 7th | Johannesburg (RSA) |
| 1995 | 6th | Harare (ZIM) |
| 1965 | 1st | Brazzaville (CGO) — inaugural All-Africa Games |
Accra 2023 was staged in March 2024 after organizational delays.[2]
Since when do they exist?
The first All-Africa Games were held in Brazzaville in 1965, realizing a project of the continent's independence-era sports movement; the event was renamed the African Games in 2015.[2]
How do athletes qualify?
Entry runs through Africa's National Olympic Committees within per-sport quotas and standards; in a number of sports the Games double as African championships or Olympic qualifying events, feeding quota places and rankings toward the following Olympic Games.[1] [2]
Why do the African Games matter?
They are Africa's highest continental games honor, contested by full national teams and — in sports such as athletics and swimming — by world-class fields from Kenya, Ethiopia, South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt and beyond. For many African athletes the Games are the principal international championship of a four-year cycle.[1] [2]
Who competes?
National teams from over 50 African NOCs — several thousand athletes per edition, with Egypt, South Africa, Nigeria, Algeria and Tunisia historically leading the medal tables.[2]
References
- The Sun (Nigeria) — African Games 2027 dates confirmed as Cairo prepares. Accessed August 2026.
- Wikipedia — 2027 African Games (background). Accessed August 2026.