Nairobi hosts African Olympic Academy Forum

Delegations from across the continent met this week in the Kenyan capital to discuss cooperation, education and development at a forum running until Saturday, with officials, experts and institutional representatives in attendance.

The 11th session of the Association of African National Olympic Academies placed the future of the Olympic Movement in Africa at the centre of discussions.

NOC-K President Shadrack Maluki underlined the strategic nature of the initiative and its potential impact on regional development, "As president of the national Olympic committee, together with my committee, we deliberately chose to host it because we know the benefits it brings in terms of opening avenues for sports development," he said.

He clarified that the opening engagements were largely introductory, pointing towards more substantive discussions in the days ahead, adding, "this was just a courtesy visit; the real deal and discussions begin tomorrow".

From the continental body, AANOA President Ridha Layouini highlighted the importance of advancing greater integration among African nations, while recognising the host's role in facilitating strategic links. "We really appreciate the welcome we have received from the National Olympic Committee of Kenya, led by its president, and this opens grounds for collaboration for both organisations," Layouini stated.

Layouini also noted that early exchanges had already identified concrete areas of cooperation, aligned with the objective of working in a coordinated manner to strengthen the continent's position in global sport, "We are really looking forward to seeing what we can achieve together, and we are sure we can work hand in hand for the development of the Olympic Movement in Africa."

Throughout the week, the programme includes workshops, seminars and panel discussions focused on deepening Olympic education and reinforcing links between national academies, in a process aimed at turning Olympic principles into practical development tools.

The gathering in Nairobi underlines the importance of collective work and reflects a growing view across the continent that unity is not just a concept, but a practical advantage in international sport.