Higher Education Ministry: Countdown Begins for the 12th African Universities Games “Cairo 2026” – September 8 to 16

The countdown has begun for the 12th African Universities Games “Cairo 2026”, to be hosted by Egypt from September 8 to 16, 2026. The event is organized by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in cooperation with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the African University Sports Federation, and the Egyptian University Sports Federation. This marks the first time Egypt hosts the championship, with delegations from 17 African countries and nearly 2,000 athletes and officials representing 81 universities, in a continental sporting event that unites Africa's youth on Egyptian soil.
Prof. Abdel Aziz Konsowa, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Acting Minister of Culture, emphasized the importance of Egypt hosting this edition, describing it as an opportunity to strengthen the role of Egyptian universities in supporting university sports, fostering ties among African university youth, and showcasing Egypt's capacity to host and organize major continental academic and sporting events.
The games will feature competitions in 18 main sports, alongside 3 recreational activities and 4 Paralympic events, offering a diverse program that combines competitive sports with recreational activities, while promoting values of participation, fair competition, and knowledge exchange.
Including Paralympic events reflects the commitment to supporting students with disabilities and reinforcing values of inclusion and equal opportunity in university sports.
Competitions will be held across several universities and sports facilities in Greater Cairo, including Ain Shams University, Capital University, the American University in Cairo, the Olympic Center in Maadi, and the “Al-Nady Al-Nady” sports complex in the Administrative Capital.
The games will also feature cultural and social activities aimed at strengthening cultural exchange among African university youth, highlighting shared values across the continent, and reinforcing the developmental and cultural dimension of the event alongside the sporting competitions.
The official mascot, “Tuts Hop”, inspired by ancient Egyptian civilization, symbolizes the strength and aspirations of youth toward the future. The games also carry a unified visual identity reflecting the spirit of youth and African belonging.
Preparations continue with a comprehensive media plan to promote the event, including daily countdown coverage, dissemination of news, visuals, and promotional content across multiple platforms to maximize outreach among university students in Egypt and across Africa.
The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the African University Sports Federation, and the Egyptian University Sports Federation, in coordination with universities and relevant institutions, are finalizing organizational, logistical, and media arrangements to ensure the 12th African Universities Games “Cairo 2026” is delivered in a manner befitting Egypt's stature and role in supporting university sports and fostering cooperation among Africa's youth.