UFAK in 2026: African Karate at the Heart of the Olympic and Global Movement

The year 2026 marks an important chapter in the development of African karate. Under the leadership of President Souleymane Gaye, the Union of African Karate Federations (UFAK) has pursued an ambitious programme focused on strengthening continental structures, supporting national federations and promoting African athletes on the international stage.

Through regional championships, technical training, institutional cooperation and international representation, UFAK is building a stronger and more united African karate community, with the continued support of the World Karate Federation (WKF) under President Antonio Espinós.

1. Regional Development: Building African Karate

One of UFAK's main priorities in 2026 has been the decentralisation of karate development through regional competitions and activities.

With WKF support, the regional programme has provided opportunities for athletes, coaches, referees and technical officials across the continent.

Activities have included:

• Northern Region: Cairo, Egypt.

• Southern Region: Luanda, Angola.

• Central Region: Bujumbura, Burundi.

• Est Region: Nairobi, Kenya.

• West Region: Conakry, Guinea.

• West Region: Further regional development activities.

The programme promotes participation across age groups, from young athletes to seniors, while integrating Para-Karate and encouraging wider inclusion.

Technical seminars, referee examinations and coaching activities also contribute to improving African standards and preparing officials for international responsibilities.

2. Strong Leadership and WKF–UFAK Cooperation

The development of African karate relies on effective governance and close cooperation between continental and international institutions.

Under Antonio Espinós, the WKF continues to promote the international development of karate, strengthen institutional recognition and support national and continental federations.

In Africa, Souleymane Gaye has placed unity, institutional modernisation and regional development at the centre of UFAK's strategy.

His involvement in the WKF Executive Committee provides an important platform for representing African priorities and contributing to international decision-making.

The partnership between the WKF and UFAK remains essential to expanding opportunities for African federations, athletes and technical officials.

3. Governance and Olympic Values

UFAK places integrity, transparency, accountability and fair play at the heart of its institutional development.

In cooperation with the WKF, it supports initiatives promoting:

• Anti-doping awareness and clean sport.

• Gender equality and women's participation.

• Athlete safeguarding and protection.

• Inclusion and Para-Karate development.

• Respect, integrity and fair competition.

The UFAK Executive Bureau plays a central role in implementing these priorities, coordinating regional activities and supporting national federations.

The involvement of several UFAK leaders in their respective National Olympic Committees also creates opportunities to strengthen institutional dialogue and promote karate within national Olympic structures.

4. Dakar 2026: Promoting Karate and Youth Development

The Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games represent a major opportunity for African sport and the international promotion of karate.

The karate Focus Day, attended by IOC President Kirsty Coventry, provided an opportunity to showcase the discipline's technical qualities, educational values and contribution to social inclusion.

Under the leadership of Antonio Espinós, the WKF continues to promote karate internationally, while the involvement of UFAK President Souleymane Gaye helped highlight the progress and potential of African karate.

UFAK also remains committed to developing young athletes through regional competitions, technical education and pathways towards elite international competition.

5. African Karate on the World Stage

African athletes continue to strengthen the continent's presence in international competitions and WKF world rankings.

The performances of countries such as Egypt, Morocco, Senegal and the Democratic Republic of the Congo demonstrate the growing competitiveness of African karate.

The qualification of African teams for major events, including the 2026 World Team Championships in Hangzhou, further illustrates this progress.

Beyond sporting results, stronger African representation within WKF committees and governing structures allows the continent to contribute more actively to the future of international karate.

6. Looking Ahead: A Shared Vision for the Future

UFAK's priorities for the continued development of African karate include:

• Strengthening national federations and institutional structures.

• Expanding regional competitions and training programmes.

• Improving the qualifications of referees, judges and coaches.

• Supporting young athletes and elite competitors.

• Promoting gender equality and Para-Karate.

• Increasing Africa's representation within international sporting institutions.

• Modernising communication and promoting African karate worldwide.

Conclusion: One Continent, One Vision, A Stronger Future

The achievements and initiatives of 2026 reflect UFAK's determination to build a stronger, more competitive and better-represented African karate community.

The shared commitment of WKF President Antonio Espinós, UFAK President Souleymane Gaye, the UFAK Executive Bureau and national federations provides a solid foundation for this ambition.

Through regional development, institutional cooperation and investment in athletes and officials, UFAK is working to ensure that Africa becomes an increasingly influential force in international karate and the Olympic movement.

One Continent. One Vision. A Stronger African Karate.