Her Excellency Fatma Samba Diouf Samoura, Former Secretary General of the International  Football Federation (FIFA), from Senegal, has been a trendsetter in the world of sports administration, particularly for women in leadership roles. Her tenure at FIFA marked a major milestone in the organization’s history, as she became the first woman and the first African to hold the position of Secretary General. Her tenure also symbolized a pivotal moment for women in Africa, reshaping the narrative surrounding diversity and inclusion in sports leadership.

Her leadership style prioritized transparency, accountability, and a steadfast commitment to advancing the role of women in sports management. Throughout her tenure, Samoura tirelessly advocated for gender equality, empowering women across various spheres of the sports industry.

At the recently concluded 13th edition of the African Games 2023, held at the newly refurbished University of Ghana Stadium in Accra, Ghana, on March 23, 2024,the former FIFA SG Samoura received special acknowledgment for the African Union commitment to promoting women in sports and sports management. Her impact and leadership stood as a guiding light, inspiring numerous aspiring female athletes and administrators not only in Africa but also beyond its borders.

"I am grateful to His Excellency President Nana Akufo-Addo and other African leaders for their unwavering support in advancing sports development. Football, as we all know, can be a powerful tool for positive societal change. The African Union also deserves commendation for its commendable commitment to fostering sports across the continent."

Held every four years, the African Games serve not only as a platform to celebrate the athletic prowess of the continent but also as a testament to the spirit of unity and cooperation among African nations. Samoura's recognition at the Games aligns with the vision outlined in the African Union's Agenda 2063, which aims to transform Africa into a continent of prosperity, peace, and integration. Within this agenda, empowering women in various sectors, including sports, is a key priority. As her legacy continues to inspire progress, the African Games and other sporting events serve as platforms to celebrate the achievements of women in sports and reaffirm their crucial role in shaping the future of African athletics in alignment with Agenda 2063.

In her closing statement, H.E. Samoura underscored the incredible achievements of female athletes at the African Games. There, they shattered records and challenged stereotypes across a wide range of disciplines, from athletics and football to boxing and swimming. Their prowess and resilience, she said, were a testament to their rightful place at the highest levels of competition. Samoura further noted that this progress extended beyond the field, with women advocating for and assuming leadership positions in sports organizations. Their aim, she explained, was to push for policies that ensured inclusivity and equal opportunities for all.

Note to Editor

About the African Games

The African Games is exclusively owned by the African Union and organized on behalf of its member states every 4 years and one year before the Olympics.

The African Games is a multi-disciplinary sporting event with 29 sporting and brings together sportspersons from across the continent who compete in various  sports codes including Olympic qualifiers. This prestigious event showcases athletic talent, celebrates African cultural values and heritage, promotes solidarity, social cohesion, and integration and promotes the values of Pan-Africanism. In addition, the African Games spotlight the importance of investment in sports as a driver of the economic development that will ensure Africa achieves the goals of Agenda 2063.

The African Union Sports Council (AUSC)is responsible for coordinating the organisation of the African Games on behalf of the African Union Member States and partners with continental bodies including the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) and the Association of African Sports Confederations (AASC) in organising the Games.

Learn more about the mandates and statutes of the African Union Sports Council on https://au.int/en/treaties/statute-africa-sports-council

For more information on the AU Sports Council and African Games 

Dr. Decius Chipande – Coordinator, African Union Sports Council: ChipandeD@africa-union.org

Ms. Lina Kessy - Senior Sport Officer; African Union Sport Council; KessL@africa-union.org

Media contact: Janet Faith Adhiambo Ochieng | Communication Officer- Agenda 2063 | Information and Communication. Directorate | African Union Commission | E-mail: Ochiengj@Africa-union.org

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