Africa Netball Cup 2026 Launched as Kenya Prepares to Welcome the Continent

NAIROBI — Africa Netball has officially launched the Africa Netball Cup 2026, paving the way for a landmark continental championship that will bring Africa’s top teams to Nairobi from 19 to 26 September 2026.

The tournament will be held at the Kasarani Indoor Arena, marking the first time Kenya has hosted the competition. Organisers say the event will showcase the continent’s best netball talent while strengthening the sport’s profile and creating new opportunities for its growth across Africa.

The Africa Netball Cup will feature both men’s and women’s competitions, with the women’s tournament serving as the official African qualifier for the Netball World Cup Sydney 2027.

Africa Netball has officially launched the Africa Netball Cup 2026, paving the way for a landmark continental championship that will bring Africa’s top teams to Nairobi from 19 to 26 September 2026. Picture: Netball World

South Africa and Uganda have already secured their places at the World Cup through the World Netball Rankings. The remaining African qualification spots will be decided in Nairobi, where the two highest-ranked eligible teams will earn their places in Sydney.

Ten nations will contest the women’s tournament: South Africa, Uganda, Kenya, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Zambia, Botswana, Nigeria and Tanzania.

Driving the Growth of African Netball

Africa Netball Acting President Rebekka Goagoses said the tournament reflects the continued growth of the sport across the continent, highlighting stronger competition, increased visibility and expanding opportunities for athletes.

“Hosting the Africa Netball Cup in Kenya reflects the growing strength and reach of our game. This event brings together the continent’s best teams. Still, it also carries a wider purpose: to create stronger pathways, inspire young players and position African netball for sustained success on the global stage,” Goagoses said.

Hosting the Africa Netball Cup for the first time marks a significant milestone for Kenya and presents an opportunity to strengthen the country’s netball landscape by improving facilities, enhancing event management expertise, and fostering greater public interest in the sport.

Kenya Netball President Immaculate Kabutha said the country is committed to delivering a world-class tournament while showcasing its passion for netball.

“Kenya is preparing to welcome Africa with pride and purpose. Our focus is on delivering a tournament that meets international standards while creating an experience that athletes, officials and supporters will remember. Hosting the Cup for the first time is an opportunity to showcase Kenya’s growing netball culture and leave a lasting legacy for the sport,” Kabutha said.

With the official launch complete, attention now turns to September, when Africa’s leading netball nations will battle for continental honours and coveted places at the 2027 Netball World Cup.

As teams intensify their preparations, Nairobi is set to become the heart of African netball for eight days of elite competition, national pride and World Cup qualification.