Nairobi is set to take centre stage in African tennis in June 2026 after Tennis Kenya secured the rights to host the Davis Cup Africa Group IV tournament, marking a significant moment for the sport in the country.

The four-day competition is part of the global Davis Cup often referred to as the World Cup of men’s tennis. It will bring together eight nations: Algeria, Angola, Botswana, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe. 

Teams will battle in a round-robin and playoff format, with the top performers earning promotion to Africa Group III in 2027.

The announcement underscores Kenya’s growing reputation as a reliable host of international sporting events and highlights the country’s continued investment in tennis development. Nairobi previously hosted the same event in 2018 and 2019, when Kenya delivered standout performances on home soil. On both occasions, the national team clinched victory and secured promotion to the higher Euro/Africa Group II, a historic achievement that elevated the profile of Kenyan tennis.

Tennis Kenya President Wanjiru Karani described the successful bid as a proud milestone and expressed confidence in the country’s readiness to deliver a world-class tournament.

“This is a proud moment for Tennis Kenya and for Kenya,” said Karani. “We are ready to host the Davis Cup, the World Cup of Tennis, ready to compete, show up, cheer, and show what Kenyan tennis is all about.”

Secretary General Nancy Nduku echoed the sentiment, emphasizing both the competitive and developmental benefits of hosting the event. 

“We are delighted to welcome Africa back to Nairobi. Hosting this tournament not only boosts the development of tennis locally, but also gives our players a valuable home advantage as they compete for promotion,” she noted.

Beyond the matches themselves, the tournament is expected to deliver a notable economic boost to the capital. The influx of players, coaches, officials, and fans from across the continent is likely to increase demand for accommodation, dining, and transport services.

Local businesses are expected to benefit from the surge in visitors, while the event will also create temporary employment opportunities in hospitality, logistics, and event management.

Tourism stakeholders anticipate that the international exposure will further position Nairobi as a vibrant destination for both sports and travel. With global attention on the city, organisers see an opportunity to showcase Kenya’s culture, infrastructure, and hospitality to a wider audience.

Preparations for the tournament are already underway, with Tennis Kenya working closely with partners to ensure smooth logistics and a high-quality experience for participants and spectators alike.