Fourth African Youth Games: ACNOA and Angola Sign a Memorandum of Understanding – The Games to Take Place in 2025

The Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ACNOA) officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding on December 18, 2024, with the Angolan government and the Angolan Olympic Committee (COA) for the organization of the Fourth African Youth Games, scheduled for December 2025 in Angola. This major event will bring together young sports talents from across the continent around the values of excellence, inclusion, and solidarity.

A Strong Commitment to the Development of African Sport

During the signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding, ACNOA President Mustapha Berraf reaffirmed the importance of the African Youth Games as a showcase of African youth’s sporting potential. He stated:
“The African Youth Games are the largest sporting event for our youth. They are not only a competition but also a unique platform to inspire, train, and promote Olympic values across the continent.”

The ACNOA delegation, led by Mustapha Berraf, included João da Costa Alegre Afonso, ACNOA’s First Vice President, and Alfred Fologo, an ACNOA Executive Member and President of Zone VI. On the Angolan side, the delegation was headed by Gustavo Dias Vaz da Conceição, President of the Angolan National Olympic Committee. This synergy reflects the importance of the event to all stakeholders and their commitment to the success of this continental competition.

Alongside the signing, officials visited several sports facilities, including the new headquarters under construction and the Olympafrica Center, led by the ACNOA President. These facilities demonstrate Angola’s efforts to ensure the success of the African Youth Games. During the visits, Minister Rui Falcão highlighted that these modern infrastructures will meet athletes’ needs while enhancing Angola’s international visibility. Additionally, the visits showcased the excellence of ongoing projects, such as the Kilamba Multipurpose Pavilion and the November 11th Stadium, which will play key roles in the event.

A Strategic Partnership for Angolan Sport

The signed Memorandum of Understanding commits the parties to work jointly to:

• Ensure exemplary organization of the 2025 African Youth Games.
• Provide modern and accessible infrastructures.
• Promote Olympic values among African youth.
• Strengthen local capacities through training and collaboration programs.

Minister of Youth and Sports Rui Falcão assured that the financial conditions necessary for organizing the Games are in place, thanks to the General State Budget, as part of the celebrations of Angola’s 50th Independence Anniversary.
“Angola has been working for some time to ensure the success of this event, both organizationally and sportingly, leveraging existing infrastructures,” he stated. He also added that other African competitions would be held beforehand to test the facilities and provide optimal preparation for local athletes. These competitions will also serve as a platform to promote Angola as a continental sports hub.

Games to Unveil African Talents

These Games will bring together thousands of young athletes from the 54 African countries, competing in about 20 sports disciplines. Angola, as the host nation, will have the opportunity to showcase its national talents while highlighting its infrastructure and commitment to sports. These disciplines will include aquatic, team, and individual sports, offering a comprehensive view of the continent’s athletic capabilities.

In the lead-up to the event, the country will host several African competitions that will serve as test events for the sports facilities and preparation for the athletes. These events will not only ensure that all infrastructures meet international standards but also foster cultural and sports exchanges among African nations. Additionally, these initiatives will strengthen regional cooperation in sports, involving international federations in overseeing the competitions.

“These Games are a unique opportunity to unveil African talents and prepare our youth to excel on continental and global stages,” affirmed Mustapha Berraf.

The role of the African Youth Games as a stepping stone to more prestigious international competitions, such as the 2026 Dakar Youth Olympics, was also emphasized. Moreover, these Games will help raise awareness among young people about Olympic values and the importance of respect, friendship, and excellence in all spheres of life.

A Prestigious Recognition for the Angolan President

During the event, ACNOA awarded the “Medal of Merit” to the President of the Republic of Angola, João Lourenço, in recognition of his commitment to promoting and developing sports in the country. This distinction, the first for an Angolan President, reflects significant investments in rehabilitating sports infrastructure and organizing international competitions.

The President of the Angolan Olympic Committee, Gustavo da Conceição, highlighted that this award resulted from an assessment conducted by the ACNOA General Assembly during the Paris 2024 Olympics. It illustrates the quality of Angola’s sports diplomacy and the country’s commitment to African sports. Moreover, this recognition underscores the lasting impact of the President’s initiatives on youth and sports development across the continent.

A Gateway to the Future

The Fourth African Youth Games will be part of the activities celebrating Angola’s 50th Independence Anniversary, offering strong symbolism for the country. They will also serve as a springboard for the 2026 Dakar Youth Olympics, enabling young athletes to qualify and prepare in a highly competitive environment.

With this agreement, ACNOA reaffirms its central role in the development of African sports and its commitment to supporting host countries in organizing world-class sporting events. The cooperation between ACNOA and Angola marks a significant milestone in the history of African sports, paving the way for a new era of excellence for future generations. This strategic partnership also highlights the importance of investing in infrastructure, training, and preparing young African athletes for future international competitions.