Africa has immense talent in sports, with athletes who have brought pride and recognition to the continent on the international stage. Yet, despite these flashes of brilliance, African nations still struggle to make consistent and lasting impressions in global competitions. From the Olympic Games to the FIFA World Cup, the dream of African dominance in sport remains tantalizingly out of reach.

This isn’t due to a lack of talent. The raw potential is there. From the marathon runners of East Africa who continue to dominate distance running, to the football players who excel in European leagues, African athletes often perform exceptionally well on individual levels. However, the challenge lies in harnessing this talent into a sustainable, collective success for the continent.

One of the main barriers is the lack of adequate sports infrastructure and funding. Many African nations suffer from poor facilities, limited resources, and inconsistent training programs. For young athletes, accessing proper coaching, medical support, and competitive environments is a challenge, leaving many to rely on personal determination rather than structured pathways to success.

Corruption within sports organizations in some African countries also hampers progress. Funds allocated for athlete development often go missing or are mismanaged, leading to subpar preparations for international tournaments. To compete at the highest level, there needs to be greater accountability and professionalism within national sports bodies.

Moreover, Africa must invest in a wide range of sports, not just the ones traditionally associated with the continent like football, athletics, or boxing. For Africa to be a truly global sports powerhouse, there must be diversity in sports participation from basketball and tennis to winter sports. Countries like Kenya, South Africa, and Nigeria have shown the potential for broader sporting success, but this must be replicated across the continent with more structured programs and opportunities for growth in all sports.

To change the narrative, African nations must prioritize the development of sports at the grassroots level, with long-term planning rather than focusing on short-term wins. Governments and private organizations need to come together to build a sports ecosystem that provides athletes with the support they need, from their early years to international competitions.

Africa’s sports stars have already proven that they can shine on the world stage. But for the continent to truly excel, it must invest in its talent, fight corruption, and open doors to a wide variety of sports. The future is bright, but Africa must take decisive steps to claim its place among the global sports elite.

By Edima Columbus