The Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC) Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has congratulated the government and people of Kenya following Nairobi’s selection to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships, describing the decision as a landmark achievement for African sport.

In an official statement, Youssouf commended Kenya for securing the hosting rights, noting that staging the premier global athletics event on African soil for the first time represents a monumental milestone for the continent. The decision was confirmed by the World Athletics Council following a competitive bidding process, awarding the 2029 edition to Nairobi and the 2031 edition to Munich, Germany.

Highlighting the broader significance for the continent, the AUC leadership highlighted that hosting the global showpiece underscores Africa’s growing capacity to organise major international sporting events while fostering continental unity and development.

“The selection of Nairobi reflects the growing recognition of Africa’s capacity to host major international sporting events and underscores the important contribution of sport to advancing Africa’s global engagement, strengthening people-to-people ties, and promoting unity, solidarity, and mutual understanding among nations,” Youssouf stated. “The AU looks forward to the championships as a celebration of Africa’s sporting excellence and an expression of the continent’s unity, talent, and potential.”

–ChannelAfrica–