The Outlook for the Future of the African Games
The African Games kicked off in Accra, Ghana, on Friday, but concerns about their continuity have arisen even before the 13th edition starts. Originating in 1965 in Congo-Brazzaville, the African Games have evolved into a prestigious multi-sport event featuring 16 disciplines, providing a vital early platform for African athletes to showcase their talents internationally. Since 2019, the Games have also served as an Olympic qualification event. However, a dispute between the organizers jeopardizes this qualification opportunity. The conflict revolves around the two bodies responsible for organizing the Games: the African Union (AU) and the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (Anoca). Anoca, representing the continent’s 54 national Olympic committees, is dissatisfied with the demand for nations to pay a $2 million fee to host the Games, arguing that such a fee should not be mandatory. Anoca has also criticized Ghana’s preparations for hosting the Games in 2023. Th...