Africa Is the True Home of Sport for Development

Interview with Dr. Chipande, Head of the African Union Sports Council (AUSC)

Dr. Decius Chipande is the Head of the African Union Sports Council (AUSC), the specialized technical office of the African Union responsible for the coordination and promotion of sport across the continent. With a background in academia, policy, and development, Dr. Chipande brings deep expertise in positioning sport as a tool for social transformation and economic growth.

What inspires you most about AUSC’s mission and the role of sport in African society?

What inspires me most is what lies at the heart of sport: participation, inclusion, and access. Sport is not just a game; it’s a platform for social and economic development. That’s the core of AUSC’s mission. Sport strongly aligns with the aspirations of Agenda 2063. It promotes youth engagement, social cohesion, Pan-Africanism, and cultural pride. Sport contributes to uniting the continent, showcasing African heritage, and empowering youth, women, and people with disabilities. Africa is the true home of Sport for Development. While it may not have started here, some of the most impactful S4D initiatives have grown on this continent, particularly in less affluent communities.

How did the partnership between AUSC and S4DA come about?

The partnership began through shared values and synergies. We initially collaborated on webinars focused on empowering women and girls in and through sport. Safeguarding quickly became a central theme. Together, we developed practitioner-friendly safeguarding guidelines and e-courses that introduced S4D and safeguarding principles. This work laid the foundation for a deeper partnership. What have been the most meaningful outcomes of this collaboration? The joint needs assessment was transformative. It helped us understand our capabilities, gaps, and strategic priorities. We’ve since co-developed digital platforms, launched the “Keep Moving” campaign, and hosted influential webinars like “The Sports African Women Want.” The most significant milestone has been the co-creation of AUSC’s five-year strategic plan. It is fully aligned with Agenda 2063 and includes gender equality, inclusion, and youth participation as core pillars.

How has this work contributed to gender equality and inclusion?

The partnership has created real momentum for change. Campaigns like “The Sports African Women Want” gave women a platform to share experiences and inspire others. We’ve begun establishing Women and Girls Working Groups to ensure their voices are heard in policymaking. We aim to replicate these structures regionally and nationally to embed gender equality across African sport governance.

What lessons have you learned about working with partners like S4DA?

It can be challenging due to different operating structures. Intergovernmental bodies are bound by member state mandates, while NGO’s and development partners are more flexible. But civil society organizations are essential, especially for grassroots work that governments can’t always reach. Our strategic plan now offers a shared framework that helps align efforts and build effective, inclusive partnerships.

What’s your vision for the future of Sport for Development in Africa?

The key is sustainability. Many initiatives have disappeared because they were donor dependent. We must embed sport into government structures and national development plans. By doing so, we ensure programs and infrastructure don’t vanish when funding ends. Mainstreaming S4D into public systems is essential for long-term success.

How can young leaders, especially young women, be better supported in this movement?

Youth must be part of the decision-making process, especially in sport. It’s critical to create space for youth leadership, empower them socially and economically, and ensure their voices are heard. The African Union already promotes strong youth engagement, and we want to bring that energy into the sports sector. Young women especially must be empowered not just to participate, but to lead.

Photos: Portrait © Dr. Chipande; Conference Picture © Sport Impact