Algiers, Algeria – Eswatini has joined dozens of African nations in high-level talks currently underway in Algeria as preparations ramp up for the inaugural African School Games. The country is represented by Ntombi Masango, a board member of the Eswatini Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association (EOCGA), at the Chef de Mission meeting taking place in Algiers.
The meeting comes ahead of the continental youth competition, set to take place from July 26 to August 5, 2025, under the guidance of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA). The Games will bring together young athletes from across the continent to compete in multiple sporting disciplines and participate in cultural and educational activities designed to promote unity and personal growth.
Masango, who is attending on behalf of EOCGA, said the forum is laying the foundation for what will be a landmark youth sporting event. “The main objective of this meeting is to provide a full overview of the Games’ structure and logistics,” she said. Topics under discussion include competition venues, sporting codes, athlete accommodation, transport arrangements, and ceremonial events. 
Delegates are also deliberating on athlete welfare and how best to integrate Olympic education into the Games framework. The gathering provides countries with an opportunity to exchange experiences and coordinate efforts to ensure smooth execution.
For Eswatini, participation in these preliminary meetings reflects a growing commitment to nurturing youth through sport. The African School Games are expected to serve as a stepping stone for young athletes aiming to qualify for future competitions like the African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola, this December, and the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal.
