ITTF Africa AGM in Morocco calls for stronger development and unity in Table Tennis

By Emmanuel Sekago

Delegates attending the 2026 International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Africa Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Tangier, Morocco, have called for stronger development programmes, increased participation and greater opportunities for athletes as the continent seeks to elevate the sport to new heights.

Held at the Mövenpick Hotel in Tangier, the AGM brought together representatives from 31 member associations, united by a shared commitment to strengthening table tennis across Africa.

The meeting provided a platform for meaningful discussions on the future of the sport, with delegates emphasising the importance of collaboration, sustainable development and continued investment in athletes and member associations.

Participants also recognised the support of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF), whose leadership and financial investment continue to play an important role in advancing table tennis development across the continent.

The significance of the gathering was further highlighted by the presence of ITTF President Petra Sörling and Moroccan sporting legend and International Olympic Committee (IOC) Vice President Nawal El Moutawakel, reflecting the growing profile of African table tennis within the global sporting community.

President of the Royal Moroccan Table Tennis Federation (RMTTF), Anas Ziati, championed collaboration among African nations, urging them to work beyond regional boundaries to accelerate the sport’s growth.

Ziati reaffirmed Morocco’s commitment to contributing to a broader sporting renaissance across Africa, highlighting the Moroccan Government’s willingness to support the development and expansion of table tennis throughout the continent.

He emphasised the importance of partnerships and shared experiences in building stronger structures and creating opportunities for players, coaches and administrators.

ITTF Africa President Wahid Oshodi described the AGM as an important platform for demonstrating unity among African table tennis stakeholders.

Oshodi commended the RMTTF for organising the gathering and providing delegates with a welcoming environment in which to exchange ideas and learn from Morocco’s experience.

“I must commend President Anas Ziati and his team for their warm reception and I want to charge delegates to learn from one another and see this event as an opportunity to take something from what Morocco has done. We hope that we can continue to work harder for the benefit of the sport and our committed athletes,” Oshodi said.

His remarks reinforced the need for member associations to share knowledge, adopt effective development practices and work collectively to improve the competitiveness of African table tennis.

ITTF President Petra Sörling said her visit to Tangier provided an opportunity to engage directly with African member associations and gain a deeper understanding of their aspirations, challenges and development priorities.

She commended the Moroccan federation for the organisation of the AGM and encouraged delegates to use the gathering to communicate their concerns and developmental needs directly to ITTF leadership.

Sörling also highlighted the international federation’s continued financial commitment to growing the sport, revealing that ITTF invests more than $3 million annually in continental development programmes.

She noted that Africa remains one of the major beneficiaries of these investments through the ITTF participation programme, which supports member associations in their efforts to expand participation and strengthen the sport’s structures.

The funding is intended to help associations widen access to table tennis, develop talent and build stronger foundations for sustainable growth.

Looking ahead, Sörling urged delegates to build on the spirit of unity demonstrated in Tangier, stressing the importance of sharing ideas, supporting one another and working towards common goals.

She said collective action would help Africa unlock its considerable potential and accelerate the growth of table tennis across the continent.

The 2026 AGM concluded its discussions with a renewed emphasis on cooperation, athlete development and sustainable investment as African table tennis leaders seek to create more opportunities for players and strengthen the sport’s presence both regionally and internationally.