History of the
All-Africa Games
From Brazzaville 1965 to Maputo 2011 — ten editions of Africa's greatest multi-sport celebration. A 46-year journey of continental unity, athletic excellence, and sporting heritage.
Maputo, Mozambique
The tenth edition was held in Maputo, marking the first time Mozambique hosted a major continental multi-sport event. South Africa topped the medal table with 136 medals (61 gold), while over 5,000 athletes from all 53 African nations competed across 20 sports at the newly built Estádio Nacional do Zimpeto.
Algiers, Algeria
Algiers hosted for the second time, with a programme of 24 sports. Egypt dominated the medal count, while the Games helped showcase Algeria's modernized sporting venues.
Abuja, Nigeria
Abuja's purpose-built sports complex hosted the most technologically advanced Games yet. Nigeria topped the medal table at home, with over 5,500 athletes from 53 nations participating.
Johannesburg, South Africa
South Africa's first time hosting saw 5,000 athletes competing across 22 sports. The host nation topped the medal table, and the Games brought world-class facilities to Johannesburg.
Harare, Zimbabwe
The Harare Games marked the first time Southern Africa hosted the event. South Africa competed for the first time following the end of apartheid, making an immediate impact on the medal table.
Cairo, Egypt
Cairo hosted the largest Games to date with 4,500 athletes from 46 countries. Egypt topped the medal table for the first time, powered by dominance in swimming, boxing, and wrestling.
Nairobi, Kenya
The first East African edition featured 4,000 athletes and introduced modern television broadcasting to the Games. Kenya's distance runners dominated the athletics programme.
Algiers, Algeria
Algiers hosted an expanded programme of 19 sports. The Games showcased North Africa's growing sporting infrastructure and drew over 3,500 athletes from 45 nations.
Lagos, Nigeria
After an eight-year gap, the second edition was held in Lagos with 3,000 athletes from 37 countries. Nigeria took full advantage of home support to finish top of the medal table.
Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo
The inaugural All-Africa Games brought together 2,500 athletes from 30 independent African nations. Organized by the Supreme Council for Sport in Africa, the event was a landmark moment for Pan-African solidarity and sporting cooperation.