Jeux Africains Scolaires 2025: DRC wins eight medals and finishes 9th out of 52 countries

The Democratic Republic of the Congo distinguished itself at the first edition of the African School Games, held from July 26 to August 5, 2025, in Algeria, in the cities of Algiers, Setif, Constantine, and Annaba. The Congolese delegation won a total of eight medals and ranked ninth out of 52 participating countries. The Congolese medal tally includes two gold, four silver, and two bronze medals—a performance deemed satisfactory by the Congolese Olympic Committee, especially given the numerous logistical challenges, particularly those related to obtaining passports for the athletes. Four disciplines on the podium Of the eleven disciplines represented, four enabled the DRC to climb into the top ten countries in the overall standings. In wrestling, a discipline affiliated with judo, two Congolese athletes alone won three medals. In boxing, the two competitors each won a medal. In track and field, the three athletes present took home two medals. Finally, the national basketball team delivered a major performance by defeating host country Algeria in the final, thereby securing the gold medal in this sport. Encouraging results for the future Despite a reduced contingent due to administrative and budgetary difficulties, the DRC managed to hold its own. For the Congolese Olympic Committee, these results are not only encouraging but also demonstrate the potential of Congolese youth in African school sports. The Ministry of National Education and New Citizenship, through its Directorate of Sports and Extracurricular Activities, is already being encouraged to look ahead to the next edition of the African School Games, scheduled to take place in Angola starting December 10, 2025. Better logistical and technical preparation could enable the DRC to aim for an even more ambitious ranking. Marie-France Pala and Véronique Amboyalela