ACNOA/GA: Algiers Meeting Key for African Olympic Movement
ALGIERS, March 14, 2025 – The 22nd General Assembly of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ACNOA), which commenced on Friday at the “Abdelatif Rahal” International Conference Center in Algiers, holds particular significance for the African Olympic movement. It represents a pivotal milestone for this organization committed to sports, youth development, human advancement, and the promotion of Olympic values.
Over the course of two days, in addition to technical meetings, representatives from the 54 African National Olympic Committees present in Algiers will primarily convene to elect leaders who will steer ACNOA during the upcoming Olympic term (2025-2029) as they face numerous challenges.
“This gathering in Algiers is a vital moment for the African Olympic movement and the future of sports on our continent. The substantial turnout of General Assembly members reflects our shared commitment to the values of Olympism, solidarity among nations, and the aspiration for a future where African sports rightfully take their place on the international stage,” remarked Mustapha Berraf, President of ACNOA, during his opening address.
This assembly also signifies an important phase for the organization, as it seeks to establish the strategies and directives that will shape its initiatives for the 2025-2029 mandate.
“We must today outline a clear, ambitious, and realistic roadmap that meets the expectations of our athletes, addresses the needs of our national Olympic committees, and fulfills the requirements of global sports,” emphasized the ACNOA president.
He further added, “Our commitment rests on four essential pillars: consolidating and modernizing our institution through enhanced governance and efficiency; supporting and valuing our athletes by providing optimal conditions for their training and performance; and positioning sports as a genuine catalyst for development by promoting its social, economic, and educational roles across our continent.”
Berraf expressed profound gratitude to the President of the Republic, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, for his esteemed patronage and support of African sports. He reiterated Algeria’s dedication to Olympic values and solidarity among African nations.
He also reminded attendees of “the importance of fully embracing the challenges of sustainable development and environmental protection, as the future of sports and the African Olympic movement is closely linked to the preservation of our resources and ecosystems.”
“The challenges ahead are numerous, but I am convinced that our unity, dedication, and passion for sports and Olympism will empower us to overcome them successfully. Together, we have the potential to transform our vision into reality and to write a new chapter in the history of sports in Africa,” he affirmed.
The 22nd General Assembly of ACNOA carries special significance as it will also pay tribute to the athletes, coaches, and leaders from Africa who excelled during the last Olympic Games in 2024.
“This event highlights the excellence and dynamism of sports on our continent. We will honor those inspiring figures who have illuminated Africa on the international stage,” concluded the ACNOA president.
