KINSHASA, DR CONGO — The International Boxing Association (IBA) Africa has officially announced that Mali’s capital city, Bamako, will host the 2027 edition of the African Elite Men’s and Women’s Boxing Championships.
November 4th, 2026
This major milestone was confirmed following a productive telephone consultation between IBA Africa Interim President, General Ilunga Luyoyo, and Mali’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Abdoul Kassim.
During the briefing, Minister Kassim guaranteed the full support of the Malian government, confirming that public authorities will collaborate closely with the national boxing federation to stage Africa’s flagship boxing tournament. Both leaders emphasized their shared vision to deliver a world-class sporting experience that matches the prestige of Africa’s absolute pinnacle boxing event.
DR Congo hosted the 2026 Africa Elite Boxing Championships in Kinshasa, which stood out as the most successful continental tournament since the event’s inception in 1962.
The host nation dominated the competition, securing top honors with a record-breaking haul of 17 gold medals, one silver, and six bronze medals. Cameroon followed in second place 3-4-7 tally, while Zambia finished third 3-1-0
Looking ahead, Africa’s flagship boxing event moves to Bamako for the 2027 Africa Elite Championships, offering Malian boxers a prime opportunity to excel on home soil.
Mali’s quest for glory will be spearheaded by middleweight standout Djibril Traore, who secured a bronze medal at the 2025 IBA Men’s World Championships in Dubai, making him one of only three African medallists at that global event.
Although Traore missed this year’s tournament in Kinshasa due to his demanding academic schedule in Paris, the 2024 Africa Elite Championships bronze medallist is poised to lead his nation’s charge at home.
*A continuing legacy of major sporting events in Mali*
Securing the 2027 Africa Elite Championships cements Mali’s growing profile as a capable destination for major continental competitions.
The capital city of Bamako is no stranger to welcoming Africa’s athletic elite, having successfully hosted landmark sporting events that include:
*2002 Africa Cup of* *Nations (AFCON):* The historic 23rd edition of Africa’s biggest football tournament, which brought millions of eyes to newly built stadiums in Bamako, Kayes, Mopti, Ségou, and Sikasso.
*FIBA Women’s AfroBasket (2011 and 2017):* Mali played host to Africa’s premier women’s basketball championship twice, drawing massive local crowds and solidifying the nation’s reputation as a basketball powerhouse on the continent.
*All-Africa Senior* *Badminton* *Championships:* Demonstrating its infrastructure versatility, Bamako has successfully organized top-tier multi-national racquet sport tournaments.
*A new era for African boxing*
The Africa Elite Boxing Championships continue to break barriers across the continent.
Following the record-setting attendance – 171 boxers from 28 countries – seen at the recent edition in Kinshasa, the 2027 tournament in Bamako is set to write the next great chapter for African boxing.
“The commitment from Minister Abdoul Kassim and the Malian government ensures that our boxers will have an outstanding stage to demonstrate their world-class talent,” said IBA Africa Interim President General Ilunga Luyoyo, adding:”Mali has a proud history of hosting major African tournaments, and we are confident that Bamako 2027 will raise the bar even higher for the sport of boxing across the continent.”
Further details regarding the exact dates, competition venues, and participating nations for the 2027 Africa Elite Men’s and Women’s Boxing Championships will be shared by IBA Africa Media in upcoming press statements.
IBA Africa Media
