Cooperation between Africa, Asia and the Caribbean aims to turn agreements between their Olympic organisations into more training and development opportunities for athletes. The 24th General Assembly of the Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees (CANOC), held in Curaçao under President Keith Joseph, welcomed Mustapha Berraf, President of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA), and Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), as guests of honour.
The gathering builds on commitments made in Nagoya in September 2026, where ANOCA and CANOC signed a Memorandum of Understanding. During the same period, the African organisation and the OCA renewed their partnership through to 2032, extending a relationship intended to share resources and expertise among their members.
From agreements to athlete preparation
The leaders of the three organisations called for these closer ties to translate into coaching exchanges, joint training camps and knowledge sharing. The aim is for cooperation to support the day-to-day work of National Olympic Committees and give young athletes access to the tools they need to fulfil their potential.
The historical and human ties between Africa and the Caribbean provide a foundation for these exchanges, complemented by cooperation with Asia. The approach seeks to draw on each organisation’s experience to address the needs of National Olympic Committees and broaden training opportunities for their athletes.
Mustapha Berraf, this weekend.
National Olympic Committees at the heart of cooperation
The meeting also highlighted the work of National Olympic Committees, which continue to support their athletes despite the challenges they face. The leaders recognised both the expertise these institutions have accumulated and the contribution of their champions as sporting role models for younger generations.
The Curaçao gathering strengthens a partnership whose next step will be to turn commitments into concrete initiatives. Sharing coaches, facilities and expertise can give practical meaning to solidarity across continents and bring it closer to those who should benefit: the athletes.
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