FREETOWN – Sierra Leone has secured the hosting rights for the Africa Youth Cup Tournament, scheduled to take place from April 24 to May 4, 2026, featuring U-17 girls and U-18 boys’ teams from across the African continent.
The decision was finalized by the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) at its second meeting on August 22, 2025, held at Bishop House in Freetown.
The meeting was chaired by Director of Sports, Haroun Mustapha Korgi, and brought together senior officials from the Ministries of Sports, Youth, Tourism, Education, and the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA).
With the National Stadium currently under renovation, Bo City has been designated as the main host venue. Matches will be played at the Southern Arena and the Bo Mini Stadium, showcasing the region’s growing sporting infrastructure.
The tournament is aligned with the government’s “Big Five Game Changers” agenda, emphasizing youth empowerment and job creation. A multi-ministerial task force has been set up to oversee preparations, supported by a WhatsApp coordination platform to ensure effective communication among stakeholders. The next LOC meeting will finalize roles, regulations, and operational plans for the event.
In her remarks, Minister of Sports Augusta James-Teima called for unity and commitment from all partners:
“Football is loved by our President, H.E. Julius Maada Bio, and by the youth of Sierra Leone. Let us all give our best to make this tournament a success.”
The Africa Youth Cup 2026 is expected to not only highlight the continent’s budding football talent but also boost Sierra Leone’s image as a hub for youth development and international sporting event.
