Africa Day: how volleyball is shaping the continent's future
On World Africa Day, the president of the African Volleyball Confederation delivered a stirring speech
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The message was a solemn one. On World Africa Day, marked on 25 May 2025, Bouchra Hajij, president of the African Volleyball Confederation (CAVB), delivered a stirring speech that placed volleyball at the heart of the continent's drive for unity, development and emancipation. In a message steeped in Pan-Africanism, she called for African youth to be mobilised and for local talent to be harnessed, so that sport can become a lever for social change and cohesion.
Volleyball, a tool for integration and solidarity
Marking 62 years of the African Union, successor to the Organisation of African Unity, Ms Hajij recalled the distance the continent has travelled and its still untapped potential. "Africa Day is a moment to honour our collective history and look towards a future in which sport, and volleyball in particular, plays a central role in building a united and prosperous Africa", she said.
Volleyball, which is expanding rapidly in Africa, is seen as much more than a sport. "It empowers young people, strengthens communities and transcends language and cultural barriers", the president stressed. With more than 54 national federations affiliated to the CAVB, the sport is gaining ground, driven by initiatives aimed at widening access, particularly in rural areas and among marginalised populations.
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The challenges facing African volleyball
Despite its potential, African volleyball faces several structural challenges. According to recent analyses, a lack of modern infrastructure, limited funding for national federations and unequal access to training programmes are holding back the sport's development. For example, countries such as Kenya and Egypt dominate continental competitions thanks to sustained investment, while other nations struggle to structure their domestic leagues.
Under Ms Hajij's leadership, the CAVB is committed to tackling these challenges. Training programmes for coaches and referees, along with partnerships with the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB), have been put in place to strengthen local capacity. In 2024, the CAVB held workshops in 15 countries to promote school volleyball, an essential talent pool for spotting the stars of tomorrow.
Youth at the heart of the vision
Ms Hajij emphasised the role of young people, who make up more than 60% of Africa's population. "Our young people are our greatest asset. By giving them opportunities through sport, we are building a confident Africa, able to succeed on its own terms", she said. Initiatives such as the African U19 and U21 championships aim to identify and support the volleyball stars of the future, while promoting values of equality and inclusion.
Gender equality is also a priority. Women's volleyball is enjoying notable growth, with teams such as those of Kenya and Cameroon regularly reaching continental podiums. The CAVB is working to increase the number of women's competitions and to encourage women's participation in governing bodies.
A geopolitical and cultural issue
In a global climate marked by geopolitical tensions, Ms Hajij sees sport as a way of strengthening African autonomy. "Volleyball can be an ambassador for our culture and our values. It allows us to tell our story and show the world Africa's resilience and creativity", she added.
Major events, such as the African Nations Volleyball Championship, are drawing more and more international attention. In 2023, the men's competition, won by Egypt, was broadcast in more than 30 countries, a sign of growing interest in African volleyball. The CAVB now aims to qualify more teams for the 2028 Olympic Games, following the historic participation of the Kenya women's team at Tokyo 2020.
A collective ambition
In closing, Ms Hajij issued a call for unity: "May Africa shine, on the court and beyond. One Africa, one common goal, one spirit." This vision rests on a clear strategy: investing in infrastructure, developing local talent and promoting volleyball as a tool for sustainable development.
As Africa celebrates its unity and diversity, volleyball is emerging as a symbol of hope and progress. With leaders such as Bouchra Hajij at the helm, the CAVB is charting a course towards a future in which sport will be an engine of change for the continent.