Historic Meeting Sets Stage for Russia-Africa Sports Cooperation and 2026 Summer University Games
By Richard Sekyere, August 20, 2025
MOSCOW – RUSSIA — In a landmark step toward deepening sports diplomacy and cooperation between Russia and Africa, Mr. Assio Koami, a Ghanaian PhD student and the Founder of Assio’s Foundation, held a high-level meeting with officials from the Russian Athletic Federation (RAF) on August 20, 2025. The focus of the meeting was the formal launch and planning of the first-ever Russia-Africa Summer University Games (RASUG), scheduled to take place in August 2026 in Moscow.
The meeting brought together key figures in Russian sports administration and international relations, including:
- Mr. Mikhaïl Makarov, Director of the International Department of the Agency of Strategic Initiatives of Russia
- Mr. Alexander Stradze, President of the Russian Students’ Athletes Federation
- Mr. Alexander Dzhordzhadze, Secretary General of the All-Russian Athletics Federation (ARAF), and Director of the Department for Relations with FIFA and Government Agencies. He is also a former Deputy Director of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Organizing Committee
- Miss Yana Panferova, Senior Journalist at BRICS Television
Representing Africa’s interest in the initiative, Mr. Assio Koami, a doctoral candidate at Kuban State University of Physical Education, Sport and Tourism, presented the vision and objectives of RASUG. His foundation, which focuses on youth empowerment through sports, education, and intercultural collaboration, is spearheading efforts to build a long-term bridge between Russian and African student athletes.
Strong Endorsement from Russian Officials
During the meeting, Russian officials expressed full support for the RASUG project. The head director and board members of the Russian Athletic Federation unanimously accepted the proposal, recognizing the event’s potential to strengthen athletic, academic, and diplomatic ties between Russia and African nations.
Mr. Dzhordzhadze emphasized the significance of such an initiative, stating, “Sport is a universal language. The Russia-Africa Summer University Games will not only showcase young talent but also foster unity and cultural exchange.”
Participating Nations
The first edition of RASUG will feature student-athletes from 13 African countries, including:
- Ghana
- Nigeria
- Uganda
- South Africa
- Mali
- Kenya
- Ethiopia
- Senegal
- Burkina Faso
- Niger
- Egypt
- Cameroon
The flagship event will be the Athletics Championships, hosted across Moscow’s renowned university and national sports facilities.
A Vision Beyond Sports
In his remarks, Mr. Assio Koami described the initiative as “a bold step toward creating a new era of Russia-Africa cooperation, rooted in youth engagement, academic partnership, and the universal spirit of sport.”
He further highlighted the importance of including educational and cultural exchange programs alongside the Games, envisioning RASUG as not only a sporting competition but a comprehensive forum for development, unity, and cross-continental friendship.
Looking Ahead
As the countdown begins for the Russia-Africa Summer University Games 2026, the organizing teams are now working on detailed planning, including athlete selection, logistics, sponsorship, and educational programming. RASUG 2026 promises to be a landmark event that may set the tone for future collaborations between Russia and Africa in youth and sports development.