The African Games, also known as the All-Africa Games or the Pan African Games, and popularly known as the “African Olympics”, is a major continental multi-sport event for athletes from nations of Africa, officially recognized by the International Olympic Committee, and held every four years.

One of the most spectacular and successful expressions of African sport, AAG was conceived as early as in 1920 by Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of the Modern Olympics. The colonial powers resented the idea fearing the unifying aspect of sports among African people. The games were finally launched in 1965 two years after the founding of the Organization of African Unity (OAU). The All Africa Games, therefore, have huge significance for the African continent not just as a platform for showcasing African sporting talent but in terms of their portrayal of African aspirations for freedom, unity and independence.

30 African nations participated in the first All Africa Games in Brazzaville in 1965, whereas 53 African nations participated in the latest games held in 2011. A total of 5000+ athletes contested for 249 gold medals in 2011.

20 individual and team sports were played in the 10th AAG. Out of a total of 249 gold medals, South Africa led the medals chart with 61 gold medals. Egypt secured the 2nd place with 32 gold medals. Over all, Egypt has won five editions, most by any country, of AAG, while South Africa has won three editions.

All-Africa games began as a measure to promote unity and solidarity among African nations and now have developed into cultural celebrations whose influence is being felt throughout Africa. These games have the potential to develop as a window into the brightness and riches of African culture and showcase its love for pleasure and healthy competition.

The 11th edition of the games took place in , in the Republic of the Congo in September 2015. This was also the 50th anniversary of the first edition of the games, which as was hosted in Brazzaville.

The next All-Africa Games
The 12th African Games will take place Aug 23 until Sep 3 in Rabat, Morocco. They were originally awarded to Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, but were taken off them due to economic problems and passed to Lusaka, Zambia, before finishing with Morocco.
The 13th African Games will be held in 2023.