Africaâs Archery Revolution: Tradition, Leadership and Global Recognition
Archery, one of the worldâs oldest practiced arts, is rapidly gaining momentum as a modern competitive sport across Africa. While traditionally associated with ancient hunting techniques and cultural rituals, the sport has undergone a transformation over the past decadesâevolving into a structured, Olympic-recognized discipline governed by established federations across the continent.
Today, archery in Africa is not only thriving at grassroots and elite levels but is also gaining international recognition for its contribution to sport, youth development, and cultural preservation.
World Archery Africa: Guiding the Growth of a Continental Movement
At the heart of this archery renaissance is World Archery Africa (WAAf)âthe continental governing body for the Olympic and Paralympic disciplines of the sport. Formerly known as the Federation of African Archery (FAA), the organization was officially founded on 28 September 1995 in Harare, Zimbabwe. Among its founding members were South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Tanzania, and Kenyaânations that continue to be pillars of the sport in the region.
WAAfâs mission is clear: to develop, promote, and regulate archery across Africa, from local communities to international arenas. With 33 member associations spanning across East, West, North, and South Africa, WAAf fosters a unified vision of inclusivity, integrity, excellence, and respect.
WAAf is recognized by World Archery, the Association of African Sports Confederations (AASC), and the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA), and it plays a key role in implementing global sporting standards across the continent.
Leadership and Vision for 2024â2028
In December 2023, WAAf held its continental congress in Cairo, Egypt, where Ahmed Tarik Amiry of Sudan was re-elected as president for a second term. His leadership marks a continued era of progressive growth and stability for African archery. The newly appointed council represents a diverse blend of experience and regional representation, including:
- Barbara Manning (South Africa) â First Vice President, South Zone
- Mohammed Charif (Morocco) â Vice President, North Zone
- Al-Yousouf Bayjoo (Mauritius) â Vice President, East Zone
- Mohammed Baba Abdullahi (Nigeria) â Vice President, West Zone
- Executive Board Members: Tabassum Anwar (Kenya), Iona Bartosz (Zimbabwe), among others.
This leadership is tasked with driving strategic goals such as increasing certified coaches, expanding grassroots programs, training national and continental judges, and elevating participation across African archery events.
South Africa: A Leading Force in African Archery
Among the continentâs strongest contributors to the sport is the South African National Archery Association (SANAA), established in 1948. SANAA is the national governing body for amateur archery in South Africa and represents the country in both World Archery and the International Field Archery Association (IFAA).
South Africa has a rich history in archery, with the sport formalized during the 1950s and national championships being held for over 50 years. Its athletes have competed internationally, including in the Olympic Games. Archers who achieve national excellence are awarded the prestigious Protea Colours, South Africaâs highest sporting honor.
SANAAâs structure ensures unity and professionalism by consolidating all amateur archery under one federation. The country now participates in all major archery disciplinesâtarget, field, 3D, indoor, and outdoorâusing recurve, compound, and barebow equipment.
A Cultural Revival: Turkish Archery in South Africa
Adding a cultural dimension to the sportâs evolution is the resurgence of traditional Turkish archery in South Africa. This historic form of archery, recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 2019, has been embraced by South Africans, particularly in cities like Johannesburg.
Huthaifa Hassan, director of the Home of Archery School in Winchester Hills, has been instrumental in popularizing this unique practice. After attending a training program in TĂŒrkiye through the Yunus Emre Institute (YEE), Hassan returned to South Africa to open his own school, where both traditional and modern forms of archery are taught.
Today, his students often showcase their skills at events such as Youth Day celebrations at the Turkish ambassadorâs residence in Pretoria. The growing popularity of Turkish archery reflects a broader interest in Turkish culture in South Africa, fueled by cultural exchanges and media influence.
Grassroots to Global: A Sport for All Ages and Backgrounds
One of archeryâs most attractive qualities is its accessibility and adaptability. It is a sport that transcends age, gender, and physical ability. In many African nations, grassroots programs supported by WAAf and national federations are empowering youth, women, and underrepresented communities to engage with the sport.
Archery promotes not only physical coordination and strength but also mental discipline, focus, and perseveranceâskills that translate to success in other areas of life.
WAAfâs current strategy aims to:
- Expand membership and affiliation across the continent
- Build a pool of certified coaches and technical officials
- Strengthen grassroots development to identify future Olympians
- Encourage gender equality and inclusion in all levels of the sport
- Uphold Olympic values of fair play and clean sport
Looking Ahead: Africaâs Future in International Archery
The future of archery in Africa is brighter than ever. With robust leadership, passionate national federations, and increasing international partnerships, African nations are positioning themselves to make a lasting mark on the global archery scene.
More African athletes are qualifying for world championships and Olympic qualifiers, and the continent continues to host regional tournaments that serve as vital pathways for emerging talent.
Through education, cultural exchange, and competitive opportunities, African archery is not only preserving heritage but also forging a new identity rooted in excellence, unity, and pride.
Archery in Africa is a powerful example of how a traditional practice can evolve into a modern sport that inspires, unites, and empowers. Whether itâs Olympic-style target shooting, cultural forms like Turkish archery, or school-based programs fostering the next generation, the sport continues to grow in reach and relevance.
For African youth and communities, archery is more than a sportâit is a tool for transformation, cultural pride, and international achievement. As the continent continues its rise on the global sporting stage, archery stands as one of its most promising stories of revival and success.
