Bouchra Hajij Elected as New President of African Olympic Sports Confederation

Bouchra Hajij, currently the president of the Confédération africaine de volleyball (CAVB) and vice-president of the Fédération internationale de volleyball, was elected as the new president of the Association of African Olympic Sports Confederations (Casol) on November 6, 2026, in Dakar. She succeeds Hamad Kalkaba Malboum, who passed away on May 13, 2026. Hajij's election was attended by Mustapha Berraf, president of the Association des comités nationaux olympiques d'Afrique (Acnoa), and several other sports confederation leaders.

In her inaugural speech, Hajij expressed her humility and determination to lead Casol, while paying tribute to her predecessor, Hamad Kalkaba Malboum. She emphasized the need for a stronger, more influential African voice in global sports, highlighting the continent's rich talent and potential. Hajij outlined her vision for Casol, focusing on unity, influence, development, excellence, and good governance.

Hajij's vision for Casol includes eight strategic projects, ranging from establishing African high-performance centers to providing financial support for athletes, promoting women's leadership, and detecting talent. She aims to make the African Games and Olympic Games successful for the continent. Her experience in international sports, ability to build partnerships, and willingness to serve were emphasized as key strengths.

The new Casol president called on member confederations to join her in building a collective ambition, stressing that the organization should belong to all African confederations, not just one person, discipline, or region. She urged members to transform their diversity into strength, solidarity into influence, and ambitions into achievements.

Hajij's priorities include strengthening solidarity and cooperation among African sports confederations, promoting women's leadership, and investing in youth and athlete development. Her election as Casol president is seen as a significant milestone in African sports, with expectations high for her leadership and vision.

The African sports community has welcomed Hajij's election, with many expecting her to bring about positive change and growth to the continent's sports landscape. As president of Casol, Hajij will work closely with member confederations, the International Olympic Committee (IOC), and other global sports organizations to promote African interests and achieve her vision for the continent's sports development.

With her extensive experience in international sports leadership and her commitment to serving the African sports community, Bouchra Hajij is poised to make a significant impact as the new president of Casol. Her focus on unity, influence, development, excellence, and good governance is expected to shape the future of African sports and bring about a new era of growth and success.

Key points

• Bouchra Hajij's vision for Casol focuses on unity, influence, development, excellence, and good governance.
• Hajij aims to make the African Games and Olympic Games successful for the continent.
• The new Casol president has extensive experience in international sports leadership and a commitment to serving the African sports community.