The Rise of Chess in Africa: A Journey of Growth and Achievement

Chess Continues to Grow in Africa: A New Era Begins

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – The chess community in Africa is experiencing a renaissance, marked by the recent 10th African Chess Confederation (ACC) Electoral Congress held at the Skylight Hotel in Addis Ababa. This pivotal event not only showcased the continent’s growing passion for chess but also ushered in a new leadership era with the election of Benard Wanjala from Kenya as the new ACC president.

In a nail-biting election, Wanjala secured victory with 25 votes, narrowly defeating the incumbent president Tshepiso Lopang from Botswana, who garnered 24 votes. The election reflects the increasing engagement and enthusiasm for chess across the continent, as evidenced by the participation of 49 member countries in the ACC.

The roots of organized chess in Africa can be traced back to 1976 when eleven African federations came together during the counter-Olympiad in Tripoli, Libya. This historic gathering led to the establishment of the African Chess Confederation, aimed at promoting chess development, organizing competitions, and fostering cultural exchange among African nations.

Over the years, the ACC has made significant strides. The first African Individual Championships were held in Cairo in 1998, with Egypt’s Ibrahim Hasan Labib crowned as the inaugural continental champion. Notable players have emerged from the continent, including Slim Bouaziz, the first African to earn the Grandmaster title in 1993, and Bassem Amin, who became the first African player to surpass the 2700 Elo rating mark in 2019.

Today, Egypt stands as the strongest chess federation in Africa, ranked 51st globally, while South Africa leads in sub-Saharan rankings at 75th. The ACC has also expanded its reach by organizing youth and women’s championships, further solidifying chess as a prominent sport in the region.

The newly elected board reflects a commitment to inclusivity and regional representation, with members from various countries, including Somalia, Gabon, South Africa, Ghana, Tunisia, Angola, Namibia, and Ivory Coast. This diverse leadership aims to enhance chess infrastructure and promote the game across all five African zones.

However, the election was not without controversy. Lopang has accused Wanjala of vote-buying and has filed a complaint regarding the election results, highlighting the challenges that still exist within the governance of chess in Africa.

As chess continues to flourish on the continent, the ACC’s new leadership is poised to harness this momentum, ensuring that Africa’s voice is heard in the global chess arena. With a rich history and a promising future, the game of chess is set to inspire a new generation of players across Africa.