ANOCA President’s Message on World Press Freedom Day: “African journalists are our essential partner for a striking Olympism“
Mustapha Berraf, Vice-President of ANOC for Africa speaks during the XXIV ANOC General Assembly on October 17, 2019 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images for ANOC)
ALGIERS, May 3, 2025 – On this World Press Freedom Day, on behalf of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa, I would like to send a message of gratitude and solidarity to all the media professionals who bring African sport to life and shine every day.
AFRICAN SPORT ECOSYSTEM You are much more than just witnesses to our competitions and events. You are the essential builders of our African Olympic and sports ecosystem. Through your daily work, your perseverance, and your passion, you give a voice to our athletes, a face to their sacrifices, and an echo to their triumphs.
As Africa increasingly asserts itself on the international sporting scene, your role becomes more crucial than ever. Every article, every report, every analysis you produce contributes to forging a strong, authentic, and globally respected African sporting identity.
FREEDOM & INDEPENDENCE As journalists, you bear a considerable responsibility. Your pens and cameras shape the stories that inspire our youth and influence the perception of African sport worldwide. Your freedom of expression and your independence are essential pillars of the good sports governance we tirelessly promote.
IOC PRESIDENT This year, 2025, is particularly significant for the African Olympic Movement. Following the resounding success of our 22nd General Assembly in Algiers and the 5th Continental Athletes’ Forum in Namibia, attended by our greatest pride, Kirsty Koventry, the first African woman to hold the highest office at the IOC.
“Dear Sisters and Brothers, We find ourselves at a pivotal moment that requires quality media coverage.
“With the Algerian School Games, the African Youth Games in Angola, the African Games in Cairo, and on the horizon, the historic Youth Olympic Games in Dakar 2026, we need all your expertise to tell this new chapter in African sporting history.
“ANOCA is firmly committed to supporting your work and facilitating your mission. Today, we are launching the “Continental Capacity Building Program for African Sports Journalists,” which will offer specialised training and privileged accreditation for major upcoming Olympic events. This program reflects our deep conviction: strong African sports journalism is essential to the sustainable development of our sports ecosystem.
“I would also like to announce the creation of the “African Olympic Journalism Excellence Award,” which will annually recognise the best journalistic contributions to the promotion of Olympic values on our continent.
AFRICAN SPORTS MEDIA FORUM “I invite you to actively participate in the first African Sports Media Forum, which we will organise in October 2025 in Cairo, in collaboration with the Union of African Sports Confederations and IAPS Africa. It will be a unique platform for exchanges and reflection on the future of sports journalism in Africa.”
“On this symbolic day, I call on all stakeholders of the African Olympic Movement – athletes, leaders, coaches, and partners – to recognise the paramount importance of press freedom and to cooperate closely with you, media professionals, in a spirit of openness and transparency. I humbly ask you, dear sisters and brothers, to continue to work tirelessly as you have always done, faithfully reporting the truth; this is what matters most for our emancipation and development.
“For it is together, with mutual respect for our complementary missions, that we will carry the colours of African sport and Olympism higher and further.
“With my highest consideration and warmest encouragement,”
Mustapha Berraf
ANOCA President
IOC Member
ANOC Vice-President
President of the Olympafrica Foundation
