Nairobi has become the focal point of African sports development discussions as it hosts the 11th session of the Association of National Olympic Academies of Africa (ANNOA), marking the first time the event is held in an Anglophone country.

National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK) President Shadrack Maluki said on Wednesday that the decision to host the session was deliberate, citing its importance in advancing sports development through partnerships and collaboration.

He thanked the Kenyan government and the Ministry of Sports for supporting the event’s logistics, describing the meeting as a “win-win” for both Kenya and the continent.

Maluki emphasized that Africa must modernize its approach to sports by embracing science, research, and stronger partnerships to remain competitive globally. “We cannot continue doing things the old way,” he said, noting that the discussions set to begin in earnest after preliminary meetings, will focus on areas such as sports science, research, and athlete development.

He also revealed that Kenya will host the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) presidents in June, further positioning the country as a hub for continental sports dialogue.

A central theme emerging from the Nairobi meeting is the need for unity among African nations. Maluki warned that internal divisions have historically hindered the continent’s ability to host major global events such as the Olympic and Commonwealth Games. “We must speak with one voice,” he said, arguing that co-ordinated leadership is essential if Africa is to secure such opportunities.

Recent developments, including the election of a Ugandan official to a top Commonwealth sports leadership role, were cited as signs of progress. Maluki expressed optimism that Africa is edging closer to hosting major international competitions.

ANNOA First Vice President James Chacha traced the organisation’s origins to 2000, when African representatives of the International Olympic Academy sought to unify national academies. The body has since grown from about 10 members to nearly 40, though participation has largely been driven by Francophone countries. Hosting the session in Kenya, he said, highlights growing involvement from Anglophone nations.

Chacha noted that the meeting will allow academies to share experiences, including initiatives such as Olympic Day events and training programs, with the aim of strengthening collaboration across the continent.

ANNOA President Ridha Layouini, attending Nairobi for the first time, praised Kenya’s hospitality and reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to promoting Olympic values and education across Africa. He called for continued cooperation among national Olympic committees and academies to overcome challenges and expand opportunities for sport development.

As deliberations begin, leaders say the Nairobi session could mark a turning point in aligning Africa’s sporting ambitions on the global stage.