Algeria will host the 15th edition of the African Archery Championship in Oran from July 20 to 26, 2026, the Algerian Archery Federation announced on April 22, 2026. The continental competition, sanctioned by World Archery, will bring together 16 African nations and nearly 180 athletes and officials to the Mediterranean Village of Bir El Djir in Oran.
The announcement was made by the Algerian Archery Federation during a press briefing in Algiers, confirming Oran as the host city for what it described as a “major sporting event confirming the growing importance of this competition at the continental level.” The federation emphasized that hosting the championship reflects Algeria’s ongoing commitment to developing sports in general and archery in particular.
Sixteen African countries are expected to participate: Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt, Senegal, Sudan, Niger, Uganda, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Namibia, Mauritius, Libya, Kenya, Guinea, Ivory Coast and Chad. This diverse representation underscores the championship’s significance as a key event on Africa’s sporting calendar, with organizers anticipating strong competition across all disciplines.
According to the federation’s statement, approximately 180 athletes and officials will take part in the week-long competition. Participants will be accommodated at the Mediterranean Village complex in Bir El Djir, while all archery events will be held at the stadium within the same facility. This centralized setup is intended to provide optimal logistical and organizational conditions for competitors, coaches, and support staff.
The Algerian Archery Federation highlighted its capacity to host international events to professional standards, noting that organizing this championship demonstrates the country’s ability to deliver high-quality sporting experiences. The federation pledged to mobilize all necessary resources in coordination with its partners to ensure the championship’s success and provide athletes with a memorable sporting and human experience.
Oran, Algeria’s second-largest city located on the northwestern coast along the Mediterranean Sea, has previously hosted various international sporting events. The city’s sports infrastructure, including the Olympic Stadium and multiple training facilities, has been upgraded in recent years to meet global standards for hosting competitions.
The African Archery Championship rotates among member nations of the African Archery Confederation, with previous editions held in countries such as Egypt, South Africa, and Tunisia. The 2026 edition in Oran will mark Algeria’s first time hosting the continental championship since the tournament’s inception, positioning the North African nation as an emerging hub for archery development on the continent.
World Archery, the sport’s global governing body based in Lausanne, Switzerland, oversees the African championship as part of its continental tournament circuit. The federation provides technical support and ensures that all competitions adhere to international rules and standards for equipment, format, and athlete eligibility.
Archery competitions at the African Championship typically include recurve and compound divisions for both men and women, as well as team events. Athletes qualify for the continental championship through national selection processes organized by their respective federations, with performance at the event often influencing continental rankings and Olympic qualification pathways.
The Algerian Archery Federation confirmed that preparations are already underway for the July 2026 event, including venue readiness testing, official training programs for referees and judges, and outreach initiatives to promote archery participation at the grassroots level across Algeria. The federation stated it will work closely with local Oran authorities and national sports ministries to ensure seamless execution.
As the countdown begins to the championship’s opening ceremony on July 20, 2026, sports enthusiasts across Africa and the global archery community will look to Oran as it prepares to welcome the continent’s top archers for what promises to be a showcase of skill, sportsmanship, and continental unity through sport.
The next official update regarding the 15th African Archery Championship is expected from the Algerian Archery Federation in early 2026, with detailed information on qualification procedures, official schedules, and ticketing arrangements to be released as the event approaches.
Stay tuned to Archysport for continued coverage of the African Archery Championship preparations and other major sporting developments across the continent.
