PASS’SPORT Abidjan 2026 - Announcement of the Selected Laureates

Abidjan marks a new milestone in the strengthening of Africa’s sports development landscape with the official announcement of the laureates selected for the PASS’SPORT Abidjan 2026 Seminar, a key continental gathering dedicated to the management and development of sports infrastructures and events as drivers of territorial and community engagement. The seminar, led by Sport Impact and supported by the French Development Agency (AFD), TRACE Academia and the Fondation Université Paris Nanterre, attracted significant interest from sports professionals across Africa, confirming the growing demand for high‑level training and structuring of the sport-for-development sector.

The selected laureates represent a new generation of committed practitioners shaping the future of African sport. They come from national federations, sports clubs, municipalities, youth organisations, community‑based associations and event management structures, reflecting the diversity and energy of the continent’s sports ecosystem. Their selection aligns with the philosophy regularly highlighted by Sport Impact: the need to professionalise local actors and equip them with the tools required to sustainably transform sport into a lever for economic, social and territorial development.

Beyond the profiles selected, the 2026 edition stands out for the relevance and ambition of the projects chosen to participate in the seminar. Several projects propose the rehabilitation or improved management of community sports facilities, addressing a crucial need for safe, accessible and well‑maintained infrastructure in fast‑growing urban areas. Others focus on the creation of local sports events, designed to mobilise communities, promote emerging disciplines and strengthen social cohesion in underserved neighbourhoods. A number of laureates also put forward projects aimed at reinforcing the governance and operational models of their organisations, enhancing planning, safety standards, stakeholder coordination and the economic viability of sports initiatives.

Some selected projects emphasise youth development and civic engagement, using sport as a platform to educate young people on topics such as gender equality, environmental awareness, healthy lifestyles and community leadership. Others explore innovative approaches combining sport with digital tools, storytelling or new practice formats to reach broader audiences and revitalise local participation. Many projects also stand out for their strong territorial anchoring, aiming to elevate specific districts, municipalities or regions through structured, inclusive and socially impactful sports activities.

The PASS’SPORT Abidjan 2026 seminar will offer all selected participants an intensive learning journey combining expert-led training, practical workshops, peer learning sessions and hands‑on project development. Throughout the seminar, the laureates will have the opportunity to refine their initiatives, analyse local challenges with specialists, and co-design strategies aligned with international standards for sports infrastructure management and event delivery.

With this new cohort, Abidjan reinforces its positioning as a dynamic hub for sports innovation and capacity building on the continent. The selected projects, driven by motivated and visionary actors, will contribute to enhancing the social impact of sport, strengthening organisational professionalism and deepening regional collaboration across francophone Africa. As the programme advances, these laureates are expected to become key contributors to the long-term structuring of the African sports ecosystem and ambassadors of a more inclusive, sustainable and community‑driven approach to sport.