Growing participation, shared equipment and friendship across borders marked the 18th African Rowing Championships and 17th Lake Tunis International Regatta, offering encouragement for the next stage of rowing’s development across the continent.
On Lake Tunis, the signs of progress could be seen both on the water and among the teams gathered on shore. Athletes from across Africa came together to race, exchange experiences and prepare for what comes next, supported by partnerships that helped make participation possible.
Tunisia hosted the 17th Lake Tunis International Regatta on 27 September 2026. The opening ceremony of the 18th African Rowing Championships followed on 28 September, ahead of two days of racing on 29–30 September. Together, the events provided opportunities across youth, senior, lightweight and para rowing categories.
For Mehdi Garidi, President of the African Rowing Confederation (FASA), the experience exceeded expectations. “It was even better than what we expected, honestly, at all levels,” he said.
Development taking shape on the water
Garidi sees the increasing activity and improving performances of teams as evidence of the combined efforts of World Rowing’s Development Team and the African rowing community.
“We saw many teams who were not present before, and now they are more and more active and present. And now they are even performing very well.”
Kenya’s 11-athlete delegation, which included a sizeable para rowing team, was one example. Garidi reported that Kenyan ministry officials attended and expressed enthusiasm for developing the sport further, including purchasing boats and supporting future participation. Such interest offers encouragement for athletes and those working to build rowing opportunities at home.
Senegal’s athletes were extending their time in Tunisia through a training camp as they prepared for the Youth Olympic Games. Their visit connected competition with continued preparation, allowing the experience gained in racing to carry into the next stage of their training.
Garidi also highlighted Angola’s effort to bring two athletes to Tunis. Alongside participation from Côte d’Ivoire, Somalia, Sudan and other African nations, their presence reflected the work being done to keep teams active and connected to continental competition.
Partnerships that widen access
Access to suitable equipment remains an important part of enabling teams to compete. In Tunis, Swift supplied 25 sculling boats—12 single sculls (1x) and 13 double sculls (2x) – together with 40 sets of Concept2 oars, additional blades, a trailer and a van.
Teams contributed towards logistics and transport rather than paying boat-rental fees. The arrangement helped crews access comparable equipment and gave organisers a practical way to support fair racing conditions.
“It helped us to provide fair racing conditions for all teams and avoid any problems,” Garidi said.
World Rowing development coach Vincent Tassery transported the boats from Nice, France, to Tunisia and remained on site to assist the teams. His contribution connected the equipment provision with the practical support needed to make it work. Garidi described his role as essential to successful arrangement.
The experience illustrates how equipment providers, organisers and development staff can work together to address a concrete barrier to participation. Garidi welcomed the possibility of repeating the approach.
A shared African rowing community
The Tunisian Rowing Federation’s organisation and favourable racing conditions helped create an enjoyable experience for visiting teams. Garidi also spoke warmly about the relationships between athletes: helping one another, spending time together and exchanging experiences across countries.
“I’ve been to different continents, different championships, but the atmosphere is this friendly atmosphere where everybody is supporting everyone, even if they are not from their country.”
For federations developing the sport, these gatherings offer a place to connect with the wider African rowing community. The shared enthusiasm described by Garidi gives the events a value that continues beyond the finish line.
“It’s good to see all these efforts, all the teams working together to support our sport in the continent,” he said
Looking forward to the next opportunity
With attention turning towards the African Olympic Qualification Regatta next year, Garidi expressed confidence that the continent’s developing teams could bring fresh possibilities to the racing.
“And I think we will see some, how can I say, some surprises in the Olympic qualification regatta. I think there will be.”
The next steps will be taken in daily training, in the support available to athletes and in the opportunities federations create for them to compete. Lake Tunis offered an encouraging view of that work in motion, with teams returning home carrying experience, new connections and reasons to keep building.
Full African Championships results are available on the World Rowing website:
Photo credits:
Africa Rowing and Tunisia Rowing Federation
