Angolan President João Lourenço has been awarded the prestigious “Medal of Merit” by the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ACNOA) in recognition of his significant contributions to sports promotion and development in Angola from 2020 to 2024. The accolade highlights President Lourenço’s leadership in facilitating the growth of sports infrastructure, hosting international competitions, and positioning Angola as an emerging hub for continental sporting events.
The announcement was made on Wednesday by ACNOA President Mustapha Berraf, following a comprehensive review of President Lourenço’s efforts in transforming Angola’s sports landscape. Berraf praised Angola’s achievements under Lourenço’s tenure, particularly the successful hosting of high-profile international competitions, which have bolstered the nation’s reputation on the African and global sports stage.
Speaking at the Ministry of Youth and Sports headquarters during a ceremony to formalize Angola’s hosting of the 4th African Youth Games in December 2025, Berraf highlighted ACNOA’s appreciation for Angola’s commitment to sports development. “We recognize and welcome the efforts made by national authorities in promoting sports across different disciplines,” Berraf remarked.
The Angolan Olympic Committee (COA) President, Gustavo da Conceição, elaborated on the significance of the award, explaining that it resulted from a survey conducted during the ACNOA meeting at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. He noted that President Lourenço’s proactive approach to sports rehabilitation and infrastructure development earned him overwhelming recognition among Africa’s sports leadership.
The ACNOA Medal of Merit marks a historic milestone for Angola, as it is the first time an Angolan president has received such recognition since the association’s inception in 1981. Founded to promote Olympic values and strengthen sports cooperation among African nations, ACNOA is headquartered in Abuja, Nigeria, and serves as a key organization in shaping the continent’s sports policies and programs.
President Lourenço’s administration has prioritized sports development as a tool for fostering unity, youth empowerment, and international visibility. Investments in rehabilitating sports infrastructure, coupled with hosting major competitions, have significantly elevated Angola’s standing in African sports.
The recognition also coincides with Angola’s preparations to host the 4th edition of the African Youth Games, a continental multi-sport event aimed at promoting youth athletic talent. Angola will become the third country to host the games after Morocco (2010), Botswana (2014), and Algeria (2018).
The African Youth Games, scheduled for December 2025, will serve as a key qualifying event for the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal, in 2026. The games are expected to draw athletes and officials from across the continent, providing Angola with a unique opportunity to showcase its infrastructure, organizational capacity, and hospitality.
Angola’s last participation in the African Youth Games in Algiers (2018) saw the nation finish in 21st place, securing three silver and four bronze medals. Hosting the 2025 edition offers a chance to improve performance while inspiring a new generation of Angolan athletes to excel on the continental stage.
The decision to award Angola the hosting rights and recognize President Lourenço reflects confidence in the country’s ability to organize successful international events. Over the past four years, Angola has hosted several regional and continental tournaments, boosting tourism, fostering youth development, and creating opportunities for economic growth.
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