African Games

Publication date: 22 Feb 2024

The African Games are a series of sporting events in which African countries participate to showcase their sporting achievements and compete against each other. The event is held every four years under the auspices of the Supreme Council for Sport in Africa. Until 2011, it was known as the All-Africa Games.

2024 African Games

The 13th edition of the African Games will be held from 8 to 23 March 2024. 5,000 top athletes will take part. The sports announced for the Games are rugby, aquatics, tennis, triathlon, volleyball, weightlifting and wrestling. Some of the sports will qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

History of the sport events

The idea for the Games was first mooted in 1920 by Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of the modern Olympic movement. The International Olympic Committee planned to implement the idea 5 years later, but due to the difficulties encountered, this was not possible.

It was not until 1959 that the first games were held on the African continent, in the city of Bangui. Within a few years, similar events were held in some parts of Africa – Madagascar, Côte d’Ivoire, Lagos and Senegal. The games were divided into West African Games and East African Games.

The Supreme Council for Sport in Africa was formed in 1966 and became the governing body for sport on the African continent.

Until 1991, the games were not held regularly for various reasons. It was not until 1991 that the games were finally scheduled and it was decided that they would be held every 4 years.

In 2012, it was decided that the All-Africa Games would be renamed the African Games.

Countries with the most medals in the history of the games

2028 African Games

There is currently no information available for the 14th edition of the African Games.

Keep an eye on the dates of multi-sport competitions and other sporting events on our Sporting Events Calendar.