Image: Cyclists at the All-Africa Games in Ghana, 2023 (Amuzujoe, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons)
July 18-25, 1965, 30 countries along with a contingent of 2500 Athletes from all across the Continent of Africa gathered at the capital city of Brazzaville in the Democratic Republic of Congo for the first official opening ceremony and commencement of the All Africa Games.
After 13 editions with the last being hosted by the nation of Ghana in 2023, the All Africa Games has become an event that fosters and deepens cultural interactions amongst brother states, and also showcases and elevates performances of African athletes on the global sporting map.
History of the All-Africa Games
Before the creation and recognition of the All African Games, there existed the Pan African Games which was the brainchild of Pierre de Coubertin one of the co-founders of the International Olympic Committee.
Due to the growing presence of colonialism in Africa, the games that were set to be held in Algiers and Egypt in 1925 and 1928 respectively were a failure. At that period, colonial governments were opposed to any platform that sought to unite Africa under one banner and subsequently instigated any independence push against colonialism.
Around the 1960s when several African countries had gained independence, the Friendship Games which was an international event planned and executed by francophone African countries began to feature prominently.
Image: Runners at the Pan African Games held in Lagos, 1973 (Aart Rietveld, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons)
After two events of the Friendship Games which were held in Madagascar in 1960 and Ivory Coast in 1961, a meeting of the African Ministers of Youth and Sport was convened in the capital city of Dakar in Senegal. The focus of the meeting was to discuss the setting up of a competition that would include all independent African nations.
After deciding on a structure the competition was expected to follow, the All Africa Games was created in Congo, Brazzaville with the country giving rights to hold the maiden edition of the event.
Impact of the Games on the International Scene
The All Africa Games has led to the discovery of a unique breed of athletic prospects who ordinarily would have been denied the opportunity to shine if not for their presence at the gaming event.
With events like tennis, football, weightlifting, cycling, basketball, swimming, volleyball, handball, and wrestling, many athletes have gone on to win medals and break new sporting records at the competition.
The games provide opportunities for athletes looking to compete and represent their countries on the International stage. Several events like the Commonwealth Games, World Athletic Championship as well as the Olympic Games are held several times within a specific calendar year and the All-Africa Games help keep the athletes in shape and motivated to succeed at these international competitions.
Image: Volleyball players at the All-Africa Games in Ghana, 2023 (Amuzujoe, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons)
Aside from the showcasing of talents, the All Africa Games provides a platform for the strengthening of African brotherhood. The games are not just a cultural event; they are also a cultural extravaganza where African nations through their officials, coaches, and athletes are provided a platform to showcase the beauty of their culture, language, and history to the world.
Among the impact of the games on the international stage is the economic boost it brings to the host nation. Organizing and hosting such events would boost tourism, improve infrastructural development, and create jobs for the citizens. This in turn projects the host nation as the next best destination for investment.
The all-African Games have continued to project the incredible talents that have come from the continent and have inspired several generations of athletes to pursue their athletic dreams and make an impact on the global stage.
Okechukwu Nzeribe works with the Onitsha Chamber of Commerce, in Anambra State, Nigeria, and loves unveiling the richness of African cultures. okechukwu.oniccima@gmail.com
