The 2025 African Karate Championship, hosted by Nigeria in its capital city, Abuja, concluded yesterday, marking a significant week for continental karate. The event, which ran from July 21 to July 28, brought together approximately 1,000 athletes and officials from 31 African nations, showcasing intense competition and a pivotal leadership transition for the sport.

 

The Velodrome of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium served as the primary competition venue, providing a world-class environment for the championship.[5, 2, 4] The Karate Federation of Nigeria (KFN), under the leadership of its President, Hon. Silas Agara, was lauded for its extensive logistical preparations, including managing transportation for international delegations and overall infrastructural arrangements. The Nigerian Immigration Service also played a crucial role in facilitating smooth visa processes for the visiting contingents.

 

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Nigeria, as the host nation, fielded a strong team of 60 athletes, many of whom are African champions and Commonwealth Games medalists. KFN Technical Director, Dave Jegede, affirmed the federation’s commitment to providing “befitting” and “world-class conditions” for all participants, emphasizing the rigorous training the Nigerian team underwent, including four national and two regional championships, to ensure their competitive readiness. The presence of top-ranked athletes from nations like Egypt, some of whom are globally ranked, further elevated the championship’s competitive standard.

 

A defining moment of the championship week was the Elective General Assembly of the Union of African Karate Federations (UFAK), held concurrently in Abuja. Souleymane Gaye of Senegal was elected as the new President of UFAK for a four-year term (2025-2029), succeeding Mohamed Mesabahi Tahar of Algeria.

Mr. Gaye, with over 45 years of karate experience and a 6th Dan Shotokan, brings a wealth of knowledge to his new role, having previously served as UFAK Vice-President and General Treasurer, and as a long-standing member of the World Karate Federation (WKF) Executive Committee since 2004.

 

In his strategic vision for UFAK, Mr. Gaye outlined ambitious objectives centered on three key pillars:
* Governance: Professionalizing national structures through training for federation executives.
* Skills Development: Providing training in digital tools, developing continuous programs for referees, coaches, and officials, and launching online seminars with international experts.
* Continental and International Outreach: Optimizing financial and logistical management, increasing the presence of African athletes in WKF circuits, and developing networks of globally certified referees and coaches.

 

WKF President Antonio Espinós was present at the assembly, congratulating the new leadership and highlighting the “strong momentum for karate in Africa” and the WKF’s commitment to elevating African karate on the global stage.

The championship featured core Kumite (sparring) and Kata (forms) events, contested in both individual and team categories. Competitions were structured across detailed age categories, including Cadet (14-15 years), Junior (16-17 years), and Senior (18 years and above) divisions.

A significant step towards inclusivity was the explicit inclusion of Para-karate and Wheelchair divisions, demonstrating a commitment to making the sport accessible to a wider range of athletes.

 

KFN emphasized that strict standards were regulated and enforced in accordance with the guidelines of UFAK and WKF, ensuring the championship’s adherence to global competitive norms.

The successful execution of the 2025 African Karate Championship in Abuja, coupled with the strategic direction set by the new UFAK leadership, signals a promising future for karate across the continent, aiming for increased professionalization, enhanced athlete performance, and greater international representation.