The Confederation of African Pickleball (CAP) is driving the pickleball movement across Africa and, as we will see, has effectively rallied pickleball enthusiasts across various nations to grow the sport’s expansion on the continent. With a steady rise in popularity continent-wide, Africa’s response has been nothing short of remarkable.
Dr. Kwabena Akufo
Under the leadership of CAP President Dr. Kwabena Akufo from Ghana, grassroots initiatives have successfully introduced pickleball to communities, educational institutions, and sports facilities, sparking enthusiasm for the game among people of all ages. Babatunde Epoyun, the director of tournaments and events, faces a demanding schedule following the sport’s inclusion in the All African Games in Ghana, commencing in March 2024.
Pickleball’s journey in Ghana began with grassroots demonstrations at universities. Dr. Akufo collaborated with key figures from Kenya, Rwanda, Nigeria, and Egypt to lay the groundwork for a Pickleball confederation in Africa.
A Pivotal Step
The Confederation, inaugurated in August 2023, earned recognition as a member of the Association of African Sports Confederations (AASC), a pivotal step towards integrating Pickleball into the mainstream sports community across the continent.
Through these initiatives, the sport’s influence has spread, reaching more nations and fostering a robust community of players and enthusiasts. In Ghana, the host country of the 13th African Games, pickleball has gained significant traction.
The proliferation of pickleball clubs, leagues, and tournaments continent-wide has facilitated recreational play while providing opportunities for professional advancement.
These events showcase the talent and dedication of pickleball enthusiasts in Africa.
Rwanda And South Africa
Rwanda has also embraced pickleball, thanks to the efforts of individuals who discovered the sport abroad and introduced it to the country. The accessibility, affordability, and ease of learning associated with pickleball have attracted a diverse range of participants, including those new to sports, fostering an inclusive pickleball community in Rwanda.
South Africa, too, has embraced pickleball, drawn to its health and social benefits. Read all about Pickleball South Africa here.
In Egypt, where sports hold a special place in the culture, pickleball has garnered considerable enthusiasm, with dedicated clubs offering regular training sessions and competitive tournaments. In particular, the capital, Cairo, has several pickleball academies, including Cairo Dinkers.
A Longstanding Challenge
Uganda is emerging as a sports powerhouse in Africa and has swiftly recognized pickleball’s potential, introducing it to schools and sports organizations to promote physical activity and student engagement.
With a solid foundation in place, Uganda is poised to become a significant player in African pickleball. Notably, the sport has taken root at Kikaaya College School, which is recognized as the epicenter of pickleball in Uganda.
A longstanding challenge in African pickleball has been equipment accessibility. This hurdle is gradually being overcome through concerted efforts at various levels, from the Global Pickleball Federation to local clubs and businesses.
Brian Omwando, a top Kenyan player and head coach at the Nairobi Pickleball Club, has played a pivotal role in this endeavor, developing and promoting BOK. This African paddle brand has gained traction in the market.
Affordable Pickleball Equipment
In Ghana, Lady Peggy Akufo has made affordable pickleball equipment available, supporting grassroots mobilization efforts and enabling more communities to embrace the sport.
The growth of pickleball has also created investment opportunities. As demand for quality equipment and facilities rises, entrepreneurs and investors have a chance to capitalize on the sport’s popularity by establishing manufacturing plants and modern pickleball venues.
CAP’s ongoing efforts to expand its reach, coupled with the enthusiasm of African nations, suggest that pickleball’s popularity will continue to soar.
Currently, the confederation comprises 18 countries, underscoring the remarkable growth and appeal of pickleball across the continent.
The excitement surrounding pickleball in Africa is set to peak with the upcoming African Games, scheduled from March 11th to 16th, 2024, at the University of Ghana, Legon. The event will feature intense competition across various categories, showcasing the sport’s vibrant community and its ethos of friendship and unity.
