The 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM) of ITTF Africa in Tangier, Morocco held on Wednesday 21 October, 2026 was more than an official gathering of administrators and stakeholders of the game on the continent. It was a celebration of unity, ambition and a shared commitment to advancing table tennis across Africa.
Held at the Mövenpick Hotel, the AGM brought together delegates from 31 member associations, all united by a common vision of elevating the sport to greater heights on the continent.
The significance of the occasion was enhanced by the presence of ITTF President Petra Sörling and Moroccan sporting legend and IOC Vice President Nawal El Moutawakel, whose attendance reflected the growing importance of African table tennis within the global sporting landscape.
Against the backdrop of Tangier’s warm hospitality, the meeting provided an ideal environment for meaningful discussions on the future of the sport. Throughout the proceedings, delegates spoke with a collective voice, underscoring the need to strengthen development programmes, expand participation and create more opportunities for athletes across Africa. They also acknowledged the unwavering support of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF), whose leadership and investment continue to play a pivotal role in the growth of the game on the continent.
The spirit of collaboration was strongly championed by President of the Royal Moroccan Table Tennis Federation (RMTTF), Anas Ziati. In his remarks, Ziati reiterated the importance of African nations working together beyond regional boundaries to accelerate the sport’s progress.
He also highlighted Morocco’s determination to contribute to a wider sporting renaissance in Africa, reaffirming the Moroccan Government’s commitment to supporting the growth and development of table tennis throughout the continent.
Similarly, for ITTF Africa President, Wahid Oshodi, the AGM was another platform to showcase Africa’s oneness in the game. Specifically, Oshodi lauded the RMTTF for staging a befitting tourney and the world-class hospitality in Morocco.
“I must commend President Anas Ziati and his team for their warm reception and I want to charge delegates to learn from one another and see this event as an opportunity to take something from what Morocco has done. We hope that we can continue to work harder for the benefit of the sport and our committed athletes,” Oshodi said.
And, for ITTF President Petra Sörling, the visit to Tangier was another opportunity to engage directly with African member associations and gain a deeper understanding of their aspirations and challenges. She commended the RMTTF for its excellent organisation of the AGM and encouraged delegates to make full use of the occasion by sharing their concerns and developmental needs with the ITTF leadership.
Sörling also emphasised the federation’s continued financial commitment to the global growth of table tennis, revealing that the ITTF invests more than $3 million annually in continental development programmes. She noted that Africa remains one of the major beneficiaries of these investments through the ITTF participation programme, which supports member associations in their efforts to expand and strengthen the sport.
Looking ahead, Sörling called on delegates to build on the spirit of unity that characterised the Tangier gathering. By working together, sharing ideas and supporting one another, she said, Africa can unlock its enormous potential and drive the continued growth and development of table tennis across the continent.
