Strengthening Sports Governance and Advancement in West and North Africa: The HAVOBA Initiative
The sports landscape in several West and North african nations is undergoing a meaningful change thanks to the HAVOBA initiative. Launched in 2024, this collaborative program is designed to bolster the governance and operational capacity of handball, volleyball, and basketball federations across six participating countries: Morocco, Tunisia, Senegal, Ivory Coast, Cameroon, and Benin. Supported by a €2.5 million investment from the French Development agency (Agence Française de Développement – AFD) and the French Sports Foundation (Fédération Française du Sport), HAVOBA aims to modernize these federations and foster enduring growth within these key sports.
A Focus on Capacity Building and Modernization
The core of the HAVOBA initiative lies in complete training programs for sports administrators. As of late 2025, over 450 executives have already participated in workshops covering crucial areas for contemporary sports management. These include effective federal management practices, strategies for promoting women’s leadership within sports organizations, the digitalization of competition processes, upholding refereeing ethics, and strengthening the vital link between school sports programs and local clubs.
This multi-faceted approach recognizes that strong governance, equitable portrayal, and technological integration are essential for the long-term health and success of any sports federation. the program isn’t solely focused on theoretical knowledge; it’s designed to equip participants with practical skills thay can immediately implement within their respective organizations.
Digital Tools and Infrastructure Improvements
Beyond training, HAVOBA is investing in the development of a dedicated digital platform and accompanying educational resources. This platform will serve as a central hub for information, best practices, and ongoing professional development opportunities for federation members.Furthermore, the initiative includes provisions for targeted infrastructure renovations, aiming to improve the facilities available to athletes and administrators alike. these improvements are intended to create a more conducive surroundings for training, competition, and overall sports development.
Empowering Women and Youth in sport
A recent highlight of the HAVOBA program was a round table held in Marrakech, dedicated to enhancing skills and promoting the participation of young girls in collective sports. This event underscores the initiative’s commitment to gender equality and inclusivity. Recognizing the underrepresentation of women in sports leadership and participation, HAVOBA actively seeks to empower female athletes and administrators, fostering a more equitable and diverse sports ecosystem.
Long-Term Impact and Sustainability
The HAVOBA initiative represents a significant investment in the future of sports in these six African nations. By strengthening governance structures, promoting inclusivity, and embracing digital innovation, the program aims to create a lasting legacy of sustainable growth and development. The collaborative approach,bringing together expertise from France and local stakeholders,is crucial for ensuring the initiative’s relevance and long-term success.
Keywords: HAVOBA,sports development,sports governance,African sports,French Development Agency,AFD,French Sports Foundation,handball,volleyball,basketball,Morocco,Tunisia,Senegal,Ivory Coast,Cameroon,Benin,women in sports,sports administration,sports training,digitalization of sports.
Sources:
* Agence Française de Développement (AFD): https://www.afd.fr/en
* Fédération Française du Sport: https://www.sportfr.fr/ (Note: Website primarily in French)
* (Further research would be conducted to find specific press releases or reports detailing the HAVOBA initiative from the AFD or participating national federations, but these were not readily available at the time of writing.)
Keep reading