The Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) has announced the details of its Athlete Support Programme. This initiative is designed to help Africa’s top athletes prepare for and qualify for the Olympic Games Los Angeles 2028.
The programme will provide financial, technical and logistical support to elite athletes. This support will allow them to focus fully on their training and reach their best possible level for the LA28 Games.
ANOCA President Mustapha Berraf stressed the importance of this project. “We are convinced that this programme will help strengthen Africa’s presence on the world Olympic stage,” he said. He also called on African nations to give significant support to their athletes, providing the resources needed for excellent preparation.
ANOCA has set aside a $2 million budget for athlete scholarships. The programme is scheduled to begin in March 2026.
This kind of support is very valuable, as it helps more athletes reach the Games. All African National Olympic Committees with eligible athletes are encouraged to take part.
The support will include access to quality training facilities, expert coaches, regular medical care, insurance, accommodation, a living allowance, and help with travel costs to important qualifying events.
The programme will focus on seven priority sports where African athletes have historically performed well: Athletics, Boxing, Judo, Swimming, Taekwondo, Weightlifting and Wrestling. Athletes from other Olympic sports may also be considered if they meet strict criteria, such as winning a medal at Paris 2024 or being ranked in the world’s top 10 by the end of 2025.
A similar scholarship programme before the Paris 2024 Olympics showed very positive results. Forty-nine athletes received support, with 33 of them qualifying for the Games—a 67% success rate. Among them, eight athletes won a total of ten medals.
“These performances reflect Africa’s immense potential when supported by structured initiatives,” said President Berraf.
For LA28, ANOCA aims to create the same exceptional conditions for African athletes. The goal is to ensure exciting and successful performances that will benefit African sport and highlight the positive impact of ANOCA’s work.