In an effort to enhance the development of para rowing on the African continent, the World Rowing Development Program held two consultative meetings with member federations in April 2025. The first webinar, for English-speaking nations, took place on the 23rd, followed by a session for French-speaking federations on the 30th. These meetings marked an important step toward expanding the reach and impact of para rowing across Africa.
The main objectives of the sessions were to:
• Receive update on the current status of para rowing within both active and potentially active federations;
• Identify challenges and barriers faced by national federations; and
• Explore opportunities for collaboration and support to overcome these obstacles.
Ahead of the meetings, a survey was sent out to 18 targeted countries to assess the state of para rowing. The results revealed that five out of the nine responding federations had active para rowing programs, while four were still in the planning stages. The survey also highlighted critical areas for development, such as accessibility to resources, the need for capacity-building support, and the level of para rowing initiatives implemented in the past four years.
Among the most pressing challenges identified were:
• Limited or no access to specialized equipment and accessible infrastructure;
• Difficulty in identifying athletes with impairments for participation in the sport;
• Insufficient funding to support program development; and
• A shortage of classification services and trained classifiers
Of concern was finding that a number of federations reported limited or no engagement with their National Paralympic Committees, signaling an gap in collaboration that needs to be addressed for future success.
The webinars provided valuable insights into the barriers federations face and led to productive discussions on strategies to overcome these challenges. Key takeaways from the sessions included the need for:
• Capacity building for coaches and administrators to better support para rowing initiatives;
• Access to suitable training infrastructure and facilities;
• Clearer guidelines on how to engage with existing development programs; and
• Enhanced awareness and advocacy to attract participants and create a thriving para rowing community.
The discussions also outlined critical areas of focus moving forward, including:
• Developing athlete recruitment and talent identification strategies;
• Providing classification support and workshops for athletes and officials;
• Strengthening capacity building for coaches, administrators, and internal personnel;
• Facilitating the procurement of accessible rowing equipment; and
• Fostering better communication and knowledge sharing between federations.
The Development Team appreciates the support and guidance of the Para Rowing Commission and the Confederation of African Rowing (FASA). Together, these partnerships will be key to advancing development initiatives and fostering inclusivity.