IOC Concludes the Sustained Insight and Impact Initiative to Strengthen Sport-for-Development Across Africa

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has officially concluded the Sustained Insight and Impact Initiative (SII), a programme designed to reinforce the sustainability and long-term growth of high-impact sport-for-development organisations across Africa. Fully led and funded by the IOC and implemented with the support of Sport Impact, SII builds on the legacy of the Impact 2024 International Programme and strengthens organisations that use sport as a vehicle for social inclusion, youth development, gender equality, and sustainable progress.

The initiative focused on established organisations within the African sport-for-development ecosystem, selected from previous Impact 2024 laureates based on governance, compliance, demonstrated impact, and their potential for sustainable expansion. SII emphasised long-term viability, encouraging participating organisations to develop co-financing mechanisms, diversify revenue models, and establish strong local partnerships that ensure continuity beyond external funding cycles.

All supported projects were implemented across Africa and aligned with the IOC’s Olympism365 priority areas, including safeguarding, gender equality, diversity and inclusion, accessibility, climate action, environmental sustainability, and participatory governance. Project durations ranged from 12 to 18 months and mobilised a wide variety of sport disciplines such as football, basketball, boxing, capoeira, sailing, circus arts, and multisport approaches to address pressing social challenges and reach vulnerable groups including children, youth, girls and young women, refugees, and marginalised communities.

The programme supported ten high-impact initiatives with a total funding envelope of USD 450,000. By combining sport with education, health promotion, peacebuilding, employability training, and environmental engagement, the organisations achieved meaningful and measurable outcomes. A strong co-financing requirement reinforced local ownership and contributed to greater innovation, organisational resilience, and long-term sustainability.

Sport Impact, acting as the implementing partner, provided capacity building, technical assistance, impact measurement and programme coordination to ensure effective delivery and lasting results. With the conclusion of the Sustained Insight and Impact Initiative, the IOC reaffirms its long-term commitment to leveraging sport as a tool for social transformation. Through Olympism365, the IOC continues to support inclusive, values-driven, and sustainable sport-for-development ecosystems throughout Africa, fostering peace, resilience, and community empowerment through sport.