The popularity of table tennis among young Africans continues to grow, and the 2025 African Youth Games in Angola is set to showcase that rise. This year’s event will run from December 10 to 20 in Luanda and other major cities. It will feature 33 sports across six host locations, creating a vibrant platform for young athletes.
Participation has reached a historic level. More than 30 countries have confirmed their entry for the 2025 edition. This marks the largest turnout since the Games began. The growth is impressive when compared with earlier events. Fourteen nations appeared in the first edition in Morocco in 2010. Participation increased to 24 in Botswana in 2014. Twenty-five countries also competed in Algeria in 2018. The 2025 Games have now exceeded all previous records, with several nations joining for the first time.
ITTF Africa President, Wahid Oshodi, praised the milestone. He noted that the rising numbers show the sport’s progress across the continent. He also highlighted that the confirmed entries surpass the list from the last African Youth Games in Ghana. According to him, greater support can drive even stronger involvement at the next African Games in Egypt.
Countries set to compete include Nigeria, Egypt, South Africa, Ghana, Kenya, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mauritius, Rwanda, and many others. Angola, the host nation, leads the celebration.
This edition is highly symbolic. Angola becomes the first Portuguese-speaking country to host the Games. The event also aligns with the nation’s 50th independence anniversary, adding deeper significance to the celebration.
