The African Karate Federation (UFAK) held its 2024 Congress in Tunis, Tunisia, coinciding with the UFAK Cadet, Junior & U21 Championships. The meeting brought together representatives from 23 countries and was led by World Karate Federation (WKF) President Antonio Espinós and UFAK President Souleymane Gaye. Discussions at the congress focused on the development of karate in Africa, with the sport's growing popularity and organisational progress taking centre stage.

Antonio Espinós, WKF President, praised the ongoing development of karate across the continent. "Karate in Africa has made remarkable strides in recent years. The success of karate events, starting with the African Games in Ghana, and including regional championships, has been remarkable. We see more and more young athletes engaging in the sport, and the enthusiasm for karate continues to grow across Africa."

One key issue discussed at the congress was the implementation of new strategies to support the development of national karate federations across Africa.  There was also a focus on increasing participation at the grassroots level, as many countries aim to introduce karate to younger students and schools.

The congress served as an important platform for highlighting the continent’s commitment to advancing karate and ensuring it continues to flourish. With initiatives in place to further enhance the sport's infrastructure and encourage more participation, African karate is expected to continue its upward trajectory.

From left to right: Madani Ba (Mali), Felix Ferrera (Angola), Hassen Korbi (Tunisia), Yassine Gori (Algeria), Jamal Arad (Libya), Abdoulaye Sanogo (Ivory Coast), Emile Ratefinahary (Madagascar), Louis Ondongo (Congo), Mohamed El Moctar Diop (Senegal), Souleye Saminou (Niger), Rock Quenum (Benin), Mohamed Mouktabil (Morocco), Mohamed El Dahraoui (Egypt), Bechir Chérif (Tunisia), WKF President Antonio Espinós (Spain), UFAK President Souleymane  Gaye (Senegal), Sonny Pillay (South Africa), Sayed Nasr (Egypt), Oumar Yugo (Burkina Faso), Tchang Wei Tchang Houloulou (Chad), Do?gmo Bertin (Cameroon).

WKF President Antonio Espinós during the UFAK Congress