MALAWI ATHLETE COMMISSION LEADERS ATTEND 5TH ANOCA CONTINENTAL ATHLETES’ FORUM IN NAMIBIA

Malawi was proudly represented at the 5th ANOCA Continental Athletes’ Forum by Asimenye Simwaka and Areneo David the Chairperson and Vice General Secretary respectively of the Malawi Olympic Committee Athletes Commission. The forum took place from April 4–6, 2025, at the Mercure Hotel in Windhoek, Namibia.

The event was hosted by the Namibia National Olympic Committee in collaboration with the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) and Olympic Solidarity. It brought together athlete leaders from across the continent to promote unity, development, and collaboration in African sport.

During the official opening ceremony, Hon. Sanet Steenkamp, Namibia’s Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, and Culture, delivered a powerful keynote address. She highlighted the role of sport as a unifying force and emphasized the importance of athletes’ voices in shaping the future of sport. “Athletes are the cornerstone of sports; their voices must be heard and answered,” she said.

It was a symbolic moment, when over 100 athlete representatives from across the 54 NOCs in Africa gathered in Namibia from 4 to 6 April to discuss the most important topics for athletes and athlete representatives from the continent were joined by IOC President elect, Kirsty Coventry.

It was her first official event since her election in March 2025. “I am a proud African Olympian. I understand firsthand the journey, challenges, and triumphs of African athletes. This Forum is like a full-circle moment for me, as the Chair of the IOC Athletes’ Commission, I had the privilege of hosting the African Athletes’ Forum in Zimbabwe in 2018. I was present again in 2023 and very proud to be again with my fellow African athletes. No matter my role, I will always be an Olympian and will remain an advocate for athletes and athlete representatives,” she said.

Discussions during the forum focused on key topics such as Olympic Solidarity Programmes, NOC Athletes’ Commission Grants, and preparations for the upcoming Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games.

Reflecting on her experience, Asimenye Simwaka said:
“It was an eye-opening forum that allowed us to connect with fellow athlete leaders and learn how we can better advocate for athletes in Malawi. I feel more empowered to bring new ideas and energy into our Athletes’ Commission.”

The participation of Malawi’s athlete commission leaders demonstrated Malawi Olympic Committee’s strong commitment to championing athlete development and welfare.