▪️IBA Africa President Ferdinand Ilunga Luyoyo has assured boxers prize money will be available with more details to be announced in due course
August 5, 2026
Democratic Republic of Congo’s capital city, Kinshasa, is set to become the epicenter of continental boxing once again, playing host to the prestigious IBA Africa Elite Men’s and Women’s Boxing Championships from October 18 to 31 at the Stade Des Martyrs Gym.
Interim President of IBA Africa Ferdinand Ilunga Luyoyo announced the dates, boldly promising the “best ever championships” since the tournament’s inception in 1962 in Cairo, Egypt.
“I’m appealing to all member countries to attend the event in large numbers,” Luyoyo stated and assured boxers prize money will be available with more details to be released in due course.
This tournament marks a historic milestone as the first African Championships staged under the new International Boxing Association (IBA) structure. The reform, announced in February, officially dissolved the old African Boxing Confederation (AFBC) to streamline continental operations.
Beyond the action in the ring, IBA Africa will host official certification courses for Star-2 and Star-3 referees and judges.
“We want to empower our referees and judges,” Luyoyo emphasized. “Without them, we can’t stage any international boxing championships. They are very important people.”
The October event marks the second time the Democratic Republic of Congo’s capital will host Africa’s flagship boxing championship, following its successful staging of the 2024 edition.
This year’s tournament promises fierce regional rivalries as teams look to unseat the reigning champions Morocco who retained the title in 2024 with 10 gold, eight silver and three bronze followed by DR Congo 9-5-7, Kenya 1-2-5, Senegal 1-2-4 and Cameroon in fifth place 1-2-2.
