ITTF Africa Okays Tangier Venue Ahead of 2026 Championships

With less than 50 days to the ITTF Africa Championships Tangier 2026, the continental federation has completed an inspection visit to Tangier to assess the competition venue and review key operational and technical arrangements ahead of the October championships.

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Set to be held from 18 to 25 October 2026, the ITTF Africa delegation, comprising Dr. Kweku Tandoh, ITTF Africa Chief Operating Officer, and Adham Ashour, ITTF Regional Events Manager, was welcomed by the Local Organising Committee (LOC), led by Royal Moroccan Table Tennis Federation President Anas Ziyati, Vice President Moulay Najeeb, Tournament Director Mustapha Slaou, Administrative Director Zakaria Zaki, and Federation Board Member Mohamed Salem, among other officials.

The inspection covered the 10,000-capacity Salle Omnisports Arena in Tangier, the main competition venue, as well as accommodation, transportation, technical operations, equipment, media facilities and other logistical requirements for the continental showpiece.

Tandoh expressed his satisfaction with the preparations, particularly the decision to stage the Championships at a state-of-the-art facility in Tangier, describing the venue as befitting Africa’s biggest table tennis event.

“We inspected the facilities proposed for the Championships and found the Olympic Arena to be an excellent choice. The playing hall is spacious, well lit and has more than sufficient seating capacity, with a dedicated practice hall also available within the same complex.

“The proposed accommodation for players and officials is conveniently located, with all facilities within approximately 25 minutes’ drive of the Arena,” said Tandoh

“We were particularly encouraged by the strong commitment of the Local Organising Committee and the full support of the Moroccan Government.

During our meeting with the Minister of Sports, we received assurances of the Government’s backing, while the corporate sector has also been mobilised to support the delivery of the Championships.

“At the conclusion of our inspection, we were satisfied that the arrangements and facilities being put together are of a very high standard.

“We are also pleased with the measures taken to facilitate the visa process for participants. Overall, our visit to Tangier has been extremely encouraging, and we are confident that the LOC is on course to deliver an excellent African Championships.” He enthused

Ashour echoed the sentiment, commending the LOC for its efforts in advancing preparations across the different operational areas.

“I’m very impressed with the venue. It is one of the biggest and most impressive facilities we have used for an African Championships, and it provides an excellent setting for what promises to be a world-class competition.

“We are also encouraged by the Local Organising Committee’s commitment to delivering a world-class broadcast. This is a welcome initiative and an important step in showcasing African table tennis to a wider global audience.

“With the preparations we have seen across the venue, accommodation, transportation, technical operations and media, we are confident that the players, officials and fans coming to Tangier will experience a very high standard of African table tennis,” concluded Ashour. 

Morocco has previous experience of hosting major ITTF Africa events, having staged the ITTF Africa Youth Championships in Agadir in 2023.

Building on that experience, the LOC is confident of raising the bar further in Tangier and delivering a memorable continental showcase.

With nearly 20 countries already qualified, Tangier is set to welcome the best of African table tennis as players battle for continental supremacy and crucial qualification places for the ITTF World Championships in Astana, Kazakhstan, in 2027