Rabat – Moroccan sports official Bouchra Hajij has been elected president of the Confederation of African Olympic Sports Confederations (CASOL), following its Elective General Assembly held on November 6 in Dakar, Senegal.
The election took place at Léopold Sédar Senghor Stadium, marking a new chapter for the continental sports organization as it looks to strengthen cooperation among African Olympic sports bodies and improve the continent’s presence within the international Olympic Movement.
Hajij’s election comes as CASOL prepares to implement a strategic roadmap leading up to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
Her vision is built around three main principles: excellence, unity, and integrity. The roadmap aims to strengthen cooperation between African sports confederations, improve their technical and organizational capacities, and enhance athlete preparation and performance.
It also places emphasis on good governance and increasing Africa’s influence within international sports institutions.
CASOL sets priorities ahead of LA2028
The new president’s strategy includes eight priority initiatives designed to support the development of African sport ahead of the Los Angeles Olympics.
Among the proposed initiatives are the establishment of Pan-African High-Performance Centres and an African Academy for Coaches and Technical Officials.
The roadmap also includes plans for an Athletes’ Solidarity Fund, stronger investment in sports science and medicine, and programmes supporting talent identification.
Other priorities include promoting women’s leadership in sports administration and developing initiatives to help athletes transition into life after their sporting careers.
These measures aim to address both the competitive and institutional challenges facing African sport while creating better conditions for athletes and sports professionals across the continent.
Tribute to CASOL’s founding president
The General Assembly also paid tribute to the organization’s late founding president, Hamad Kalkaba Malboum, recognizing his contribution to the development and unity of African sport.
Participants also discussed several institutional and operational matters, including the proposed 2027 budget, CASOL’s mission to Yaoundé, and preparations for the 2027 African Games in Cairo.
With Hajij’s election and the appointment of a new executive board, CASOL is looking to strengthen its continental role and build closer cooperation among African Olympic sports confederations.
Her presidency will begin with the implementation of the strategic priorities outlined in the roadmap towards Los Angeles 2028.
