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.
2027 African Games
The 14th African Games will take place in 2027 in Cairo, Egypt. The decision regarding the host was made by ANOCA (Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa) in December 2023. This marks the second time Egypt will host the Games, following the 1991 edition. The 2027 Games will also serve as an African qualifying tournament for the Los Angeles 2028 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
| Country | Medals |
| Egypt | 639 gold, 500 silver, 481 bronze |
| Nigeria | 470 gold, 428 silver, 428 bronze |
| RSA | 397 gold, 362 silver, 295 bronze |
| Algeria | 310 gold, 312 silver, 400 bronze |
| Tunisia | 260 gold, 244 silver, 277 bronze |
2031 African Games
The 15th African Games will be held in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 2031. ANOCA announced this decision in December 2023, at the same time as the decision regarding Egypt.
Keep an eye on the dates of multi-sport competitions and other sporting events on our Sporting Events Calendar.
