The African Table Tennis Federation (ATTF), under the leadership of President Enitan Oshodi, has unveiled an ambitious plan to elevate the level of table tennis across the continent in 2025. This comprehensive strategy centers around increasing the number of competitive events, providing African players with more opportunities to hone their skills against both regional rivals and international competitors. The year 2025 is poised to be a landmark year for African table tennis, featuring a packed calendar of tournaments that will cater to players of all ages and abilities, from budding youth talents to seasoned professionals. This intensified focus on competition is part of a broader vision to develop African table tennis and position the continent as a force to be reckoned with on the global stage.
The 2025 season will kick off with the prestigious Africa Cup, scheduled for February 25-27 in Tunis, Tunisia. Defending champions Quadri Aruna of Nigeria and Dina Meshref of Egypt will headline the event, aiming to retain their titles against a formidable field of contenders. This high-profile tournament will set the tone for a year of intense competition, showcasing the best of African table tennis talent. In addition to the Africa Cup, the ATTF is also committed to strengthening regional development by hosting five separate regional tournaments. These events will be strategically distributed across the continent, spanning West Africa (Nigeria), East Africa (Madagascar), Southern Africa (Namibia), Central Africa (Congo Brazzaville), and North Africa (Tunisia). This regional approach aims to identify and nurture talent from all corners of the continent, providing opportunities for players who might not otherwise have access to high-level competition.
A significant highlight of the 2025 calendar is the African Youth Championships (AYC), which will be held in Lagos, Nigeria, in July. This event will mark a pivotal moment for the development of youth table tennis in Africa, as it will also feature the inaugural edition of the African Youth Cup. This new tournament will provide a dedicated platform for young players to compete against their peers, gaining valuable experience and exposure on a continental stage. The ATTF recognizes the crucial role that youth development plays in the long-term growth of the sport and is committed to investing in the next generation of African table tennis stars. President Oshodi has expressed his strong support for the AYC, emphasizing the importance of providing young athletes with opportunities to compete and grow. He believes that consistent exposure to high-level competitions is essential for their improvement and development.
To further enhance player development, the ATTF is actively encouraging athletes to seek out opportunities to compete beyond the African continent. Oshodi stresses the importance of participating in international tournaments, particularly World Tour events, to gain experience against the best players globally. Recognizing the financial constraints that can hinder young players from accessing these international events, the ATTF has pledged to offer assistance to promising athletes, enabling them to compete on a wider stage and broaden their horizons. This commitment underscores the ATTF’s dedication to not just cultivating talent within Africa but also fostering its recognition and success globally.
As the year progresses, the focus will shift to the African Senior Championships, slated for October in Kigali, Rwanda. This prestigious event will bring together the continent’s elite players, culminating in a thrilling climax to a year of intense competition. Rounding out the packed 2025 calendar are several other notable events, including WTT Youth Contender tournaments in Tunisia and Egypt, further solidifying these nations as hubs for table tennis development. The WTT Contender Series will also make stops in Lagos and Tunis in July and October, respectively, providing additional opportunities for African players to test their mettle against international competition. Cairo, Egypt, will also host the African Para Championships, showcasing the continent’s commitment to inclusivity and the development of para table tennis.
The strategic focus on increasing competitive opportunities for African table tennis players in 2025 is a testament to the ATTF’s vision for the sport. President Oshodi’s leadership and emphasis on fostering talent through competitive exposure highlight the Federation’s commitment to elevating the standard of African table tennis and ensuring its prominence on the world stage. This comprehensive approach, encompassing regional development, youth programs, and international exposure, lays the foundation for a bright future for African table tennis. By providing a robust and diverse platform for competition, the ATTF is not just developing individual players but also cultivating a thriving and competitive table tennis ecosystem across the continent. This concerted effort paves the way for African table tennis to achieve greater international recognition and success in the years to come.
