AU Commission Chairperson Hails Kenya’s 2029 World Athletics Championships Hosting as Milestone for African Sport

Addis Ababa, September 16, 2026 (FMC) — Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission Mahmoud Ali Youssouf has extended congratulations to the Government and people of Kenya following Nairobi’s selection to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships, describing the development as a landmark achievement for Kenya and the African continent.

In a message issued today, the AU Commission Chairperson said the hosting of the premier global athletics championship on African soil for the first time marks a significant milestone for Kenya, Africa’s sporting community and the continent as a whole.

Youssouf said Nairobi’s selection reflects growing recognition of Africa’s capacity to host major international sporting events and underscores the contribution of sport to advancing Africa’s global engagement, strengthening people-to-people ties, and promoting unity, solidarity and mutual understanding among nations.

He commended Kenya for the historic achievement, expressing confidence that the 2029 Championships will provide an important platform to showcase Africa’s rich sporting heritage, youthful talent and excellence, while inspiring a new generation of athletes across the continent.

The AU Commission Chairperson said the African Union looks forward to the championships as a celebration of Africa’s sporting excellence and an expression of the continent’s unity, talent and potential.

He also reaffirmed the African Union’s commitment to harnessing the transformative power of sport to advance peace, integration, inclusion and sustainable development across Africa, in line with the aspirations of Agenda 2063.