About WAKO Africa
Who we are
One continental body for African kickboxing
WAKO Africa is the official regional body supporting the growth, structure and development of WAKO kickboxing across the African continent.
We connect national federations, clubs, athletes, coaches, officials and volunteers through recognised standards, international pathways and the wider global WAKO framework.
Continental development of WAKO kickboxing
Recognised standards across all disciplines
International competition pathways for African athletes
Our history
Founded in Algiers, 2007
Kickboxing gained momentum across Africa in the mid-1990s as national federations began to form. Following the creation of WAKO's continental structure in 2005, the member nations of Africa agreed to establish their own confederation — and the African Kickboxing Confederation (WAKO Africa) was founded on 21 March 2007 in Algiers, Algeria.
That same year, kickboxing made its debut as a demonstration sport at the African Games. In November 2013, WAKO Africa was granted official recognition as a member of the Association of African Sports Confederations (AASC/UCSA) — confirming its place as the recognised continental governing body for kickboxing in Africa.
Today, WAKO Africa represents national federations across five continental zones, connected directly to the World Association of Kickboxing Organizations (WAKO), the IOC-recognised international federation for kickboxing.
Governance
Decisions made together
The General Assembly brings every affiliated national federation around one table. Delegates elect the executive board, approve the continental calendar and set the development priorities for the years ahead.
Our mission
Unite, grow, develop
Our work across the continent comes back to three commitments — shared structure, growth at every level, and long-term development for the people in the sport.
- Unite the continent under one recognised structure
- Grow the sport at club, national and continental level
- Support long-term athlete, coach and official development
- Keep African federations connected to global WAKO
Who we support
Supporting every level of the sport
WAKO Africa works with everyone who makes the sport possible across the region.
National Federations
Helping recognised national bodies develop strong structures, events, teams and governance.
Clubs & Coaches
Supporting club growth through recognised standards, education and connection to national pathways.
Athletes
Creating opportunities for athletes to progress from local participation to national, regional and international competition.
Officials & Volunteers
Supporting referees, judges, administrators and volunteers who help the sport operate professionally.
Connected to global WAKO
Part of the global WAKO family
WAKO Africa operates as part of the wider World Association of Kickboxing Organizations structure.
This connection gives the region access to recognised competition rules, international development pathways, technical standards, governance guidance and the credibility of a global kickboxing organisation.
For federations, clubs, athletes and officials across Africa, WAKO provides a recognised pathway beyond local competition — connecting the region to international opportunities and a global sporting community.
