Confederation of African Canoeing activities Q1 2026

Underberg, South Africa staged the African Canoe Slalom Championships, bringing together five National Federations in a spirited display of skill, resilience, and continental unity. The event was particularly historic for Namibia, which participated for the very first time and made an immediate impact by securing podium finishes. Their success not only highlighted emerging talent but also signalled the growing reach and competitiveness of Canoe Slalom across Africa.  

In a landmark achievement for African canoeing development, Senegal celebrated the production of its very first locally manufactured fiberglass kayak. This pioneering project was driven by a group of young Senegalese innovators, demonstrating both technical ingenuity and a commitment to advancing the sport domestically. The initiative was supported by Jean-Pierre Bourhis, who designed the 3D model and personally tested the prototype on the water. The production process was further enriched through international collaboration, with students from Lycée Jean Macé in France contributing by preparing the mould. This milestone represents a significant step toward self-sufficiency and sustainable equipment development in the region.  

From 9 to 15 March, a foundational Level 1 canoeing coaching course was successfully delivered for the Central African Canoe Kayak Federation under the auspices of the National Olympic Committee of Central Africa. This initiative marks a crucial step in building technical capacity following the federation’s establishment in 2024 and its recognition by the International Canoe Federation. The programme underscores a shared commitment to developing qualified coaching structures and strengthening the sport at grassroots and competitive levels. The Central African National Olympic and Sports Committee (CNOSCA) emphasized the importance of professionalising traditional canoeing practices and expanding their reach nationwide. 

By Ahmed Mahamoud Abdoulkader, Secretary General of Confederation of African Canoeing