AACT 2026: Women’s Golf Championship Emerges as Platform for Nigeria’s Continental Showcase
As preparations gather momentum for the All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT) 2026, the championship is increasingly being positioned as more than a sporting event, with stakeholders describing it as a vehicle for promoting Nigeria’s image, strengthening continental ties, and unlocking economic opportunities.
The latest endorsement came from the Board Chairman of the National Credit Guarantee Company (NCGC), Yakubu Dogara, who threw his weight behind the tournament during a meeting with a delegation from the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN), organisers of the championship. The delegation visited the NCGC headquarters to seek strategic partnership ahead of the continental event.
Scheduled to hold from Nov. 2 to Nov. 7 at the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja, the championship is sanctioned by The Royal and Ancient (R&A), the global governing body for golf outside the United States and Mexico. The R&A co-manages the Rules of Golf with the United States Golf Association (USGA), oversees the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR), and sanctions some of the sport’s premier championships.
The biennial tournament, regarded as Africa’s flagship women’s amateur golf championship, is expected to attract players and officials from more than 30 African countries. Beyond the fairways, it will also host government delegations, sports administrators, investors, and international media representatives.
A major attraction of the event is the Sport-to-Business (S2B) Pavilion, an initiative designed to create a meeting point for trade, investment, and development partnerships across the continent, reinforcing the growing link between sports and economic diplomacy.
For Dogara, the championship represents an opportunity for Nigeria to project a positive image to Africa and the wider world.
“Sports remains one of the strongest instruments for promoting unity, diplomacy and economic opportunities.
“The decision to combine golf with cultural, business and investment conversations makes this championship unique and impactful.
“Nigeria must continue to support initiatives that empower women and create opportunities for meaningful continental engagement,” he said.
The former Speaker of the House of Representatives also stressed the importance of greater institutional backing for women’s sports, noting their capacity to inspire younger generations. He pledged support for efforts aimed at ensuring that the championship achieves its objectives.
Earlier, LGAN President and Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Lami Ahmed, described the tournament as an opportunity for Nigeria to reinforce its leadership in sports development while showcasing its hospitality and organisational capacity.
“AACT 2026 presents Nigeria with an opportunity to host Africa and demonstrate excellence in sports administration and hospitality,” she said.
Ahmed explained that the S2B Pavilion would serve as a strategic platform for engagement between Nigerian institutions and delegates from participating countries.
“The pavilion is designed to create lasting business relationships and open new channels for investment and development cooperation.”
According to her, the championship will also provide valuable visibility for organisations seeking to expand their presence across the African market.
She called for stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors to guarantee the success of the event.
“Every major sporting event requires strong partnerships, and we are confident Nigerians will rally behind this continental project,” she said.
As the countdown to AACT 2026 continues, organisers and supporters believe the championship has the potential to become a symbol of women’s empowerment, sports diplomacy, and economic collaboration, while placing Nigeria at the centre of a significant continental conversation.
