Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia, has been selected to host the 2026 World and African Draughts Festival. The event, which is expected to bring together 80 sports enthusiasts from 40 countries, will take place from November 24 to December 6, 2026, at the Grand E利亚na Hotel and Adwa Victory Memorial. According to Dr. Abeba Amare, Executive Director of the Sport Development Sector at the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the festival will not only promote the sport of draughts but also showcase Ethiopia's tourism potential.
The Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Addis Ababa Youth and Sports Bureau jointly announced the news at a press conference. Dr. Abeba Amare emphasized that the event will be a great opportunity to promote draughts in Ethiopia and showcase the country's tourism resources to international guests. The festival will feature competitions in seven categories, according to Professor Omar Tayer, President of the African Draughts Confederation.
The Addis Ababa Draughts Association President, Tadlo Desalegn, expressed his confidence that Ethiopian players will be competitive in the tournament. He revealed that they have been working hard to prepare the national team, selecting the best players from across the country. The association is committed to delivering a successful event and achieving good results.
The 2026 World and African Draughts Festival is expected to be a milestone event for the sport in Africa. As the first event of its kind and content, it will set a new standard for future tournaments. The festival will provide a platform for players to compete and exchange ideas, promoting the development of draughts in Africa.
Ethiopia is investing heavily in sports development, and the hosting of the 2026 World and African Draughts Festival is part of this effort. The event is expected to contribute to the growth of tourism in the country, showcasing its rich cultural heritage and natural resources to international visitors.
The Ministry of Youth and Sports is working closely with the Addis Ababa City Administration to ensure the success of the event. The festival will be a major test of the city's capacity to host international events, and it is expected to leave a lasting legacy for the sport of draughts in Ethiopia.
With the 2026 World and African Draughts Festival, Addis Ababa is set to cement its position as a major sports hub in Africa. The event will bring together players, officials, and spectators from around the world, promoting unity, friendship, and sportsmanship.
Key points
- Addis Ababa to host 2026 World and African Draughts Festival, featuring 80 players from 40 countries.
- Event expected to boost tourism and promote the sport of draughts in Ethiopia.
- Festival to feature competitions in seven categories, setting a new standard for future tournaments.
