Africa’s Commitment to Cultural Heritage: Historic Partnership Forged for African Traditional Sports and Games Multi-Event in 2026
-THE ASIAN INDEPENDENT, UK
Swakopmund, Namibia – In a landmark initiative for cultural preservation in Africa, Shammi Rana, Secretary-General of the International Council of Traditional Sports and Games (ICTSG), and Chief Michael Shamsu Mustapha, President of the African Traditional Sports and Games Confederation (ATSGC), have forged a strategic partnership with The Dome Namibia through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This historic agreement marks the beginning of the first African Traditional Sports and Games multi-event, set for 2026, which aligns with UNESCO’s mission to safeguard and promote traditional sports and games globally.
Preserving Africa’s Cultural Legacy through Sports
The MOU, endorsed by Chief Mustapha and SJ Engelbrecht, a principal investor in The Dome Namibia, highlights the profound role traditional sports and games play in cultural preservation, peacebuilding, and sustainable development across Africa. The event, scheduled from June 21 to June 30, 2026, in Swakopmund, aims not only to showcase Africa’s rich sporting traditions but also to serve as a powerful testament to the continent’s commitment to preserving its intangible cultural heritage.
Chief Mustapha, reflecting on the importance of this initiative, stated, “Traditional sports and games are not just activities; they are the heartbeat of our communities, embodying values, histories, and identities that are unique to our cultures. This multi-event is not merely a celebration but a rallying call to safeguard and reinvigorate these traditions for future generations. By highlighting these sports on an international stage, we are affirming our pride in African heritage and asserting our role in the global cultural landscape.”
Championing ICTSG’s Mission in Africa
Chief Mustapha has been a tireless advocate for the mission of the ICTSG in Africa, working relentlessly to promote the safeguarding and revitalization of traditional sports and games. “My role as President of the ATSGC is deeply connected to the broader vision of ICTSG, which is to see traditional sports and games recognized and celebrated not just as cultural artifacts but as vibrant, living practices that can drive community development and social cohesion,” Chief Mustapha explained. “Our work is far from easy, but the resilience and support of our communities across Africa inspire us to push forward. We are committed to turning the ICTSG’s vision into a reality on the continent, one game, one tradition at a time.”
Shammi Rana’s Pioneering Role and Vision
Shammi Rana’s leadership as the former Rapporteur of the Ad Hoc Advisory Committee on Traditional Sports and Games, UNESCO, has been instrumental in advancing the global agenda for traditional sports. His efforts have laid a strong foundation for integrating traditional sports into international cultural policies. During his tenure, Rana played a key role in drafting recommendations that emphasized the importance of safeguarding traditional sports and games as part of the broader UNESCO mandate to protect intangible cultural heritage.
Speaking on the strategic alignment with UNESCO’s goals, Rana noted, “Our efforts are rooted in the directives from the Fourth Collective Consultation on the Safeguarding and Promotion of Traditional Sports and Games. As former Rapporteur, I have seen firsthand the transformative power of these sports in connecting communities, preserving heritage, and promoting peace. This partnership with ATSGC and The Dome Namibia embodies how global frameworks can be applied locally to achieve significant cultural impacts.”
A Strategic Alignment with UNESCO’s Vision
Organized in alignment with UNESCO’s preservation strategies, the 2026 multi-event reflects the principles established during the Fourth Collective Consultation on the Safeguarding and Promotion of Traditional Sports and Games, facilitated by UNESCO’s Adhoc Advisory Committee. Shammi Rana stated, “This celebration transcends showcasing African traditions; it is part of a global initiative led by UNESCO to preserve and elevate traditional sports and games. Our partnership with ATSGC and The Dome Namibia exemplifies how global frameworks can be locally implemented to yield significant cultural impacts.”
Chief Mustapha added, “This partnership with UNESCO and the ICTSG is a cornerstone of our efforts. It shows that African traditional sports and games are not isolated practices but are part of a global tapestry of cultural heritage that deserves recognition, respect, and revival. Our collaboration with international partners like UNESCO ensures that our efforts have both local resonance and global relevance.”
Collaboration for a Broader Impact
This initiative will also draw on the expertise of key stakeholders, including the Chief Administrator of the Namibia Sports Commission, Dr. Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai, Executive Director of the National Sport Authority, and Dr. Peter Mawere, a consultant with deep knowledge in the field. Their involvement underscores the widespread support for traditional sports and games and the collaborative nature of this endeavor, which unites diverse sectors in pursuit of a shared cultural vision.
Event Highlights: A Fusion of Culture and Sport
Hosted at The Dome Namibia, known for its world-class facilities, the event will feature various traditional sports, from animal-assisted games to combat sports and cultural dances. It is designed to entertain, educate, and inspire, seamlessly blending competition with cultural exhibitions. Chief Mustapha noted, “By aligning our efforts with UNESCO’s initiatives, we ensure this event will have a lasting impact. It sets a benchmark for future events and provides a model for promoting and preserving traditional sports and games across Africa and beyond.”
Building a Unified Vision for the Future
The success of the 2026 multi-event depends on the synergy between ATSGC, The Dome Namibia, and international partners such as UNESCO. This partnership embodies a collective vision for the future—one where traditional sports and games are preserved and celebrated as dynamic symbols of cultural heritage and powerful tools for community development.
Shammi Rana concluded, “This event is a key milestone in our mission to elevate traditional sports and games in cultural and social spheres. Through this partnership, we are not just preserving our heritage; we are laying the foundation for future generations to engage with and honour their cultural legacy.”
As preparations for the 2026 event advance, the dedication to UNESCO’s vision and the outcomes of the Fourth Collective Consultation on Traditional Sports and Games by UNESCO’s Adhoc Advisory Committee remain at the forefront, ensuring that the event will be a landmark success and a profound affirmation of the enduring significance of traditional sports and games in Africa.
