
Cairo, Egypt, December 31, 2015 - The recognition of some of Africa’s emerging national federations during the 2015 CAVB Congress was one of the highlights of the year for the continent.
During the Congress CAVB President Dr Amr Elwani honoured the presidents of 17 national federations with the CAVB alongside FIVB President Dr Ary Graca who expressed his happiness at the valuable contribution these new countries are making to volleyball.
Here are some of the highlights from those countries:
Gambia: Had beach volleyball success as they qualified to the semifinal stage of CAVB Continental Cup and won the regional phase in Women's category and silver in Men's. The country also organised successful refereeing and coaching courses.
Cape Verde: The country participated in most of beach volleyball competitions at the continental and zonal level as well as qualified for the All Africa Games in both genders.
Mali: Organised coaching and refereeing courses and participated in zonal competitions.
Niger: Had a wide participation at zonal and continental level, particularly in beach volleyball. They also participated in the women's volleyball competition at All Africa Games.
Ghana: Put on a surprising performance at the All Africa Games men’s and women’s volleyball competition whilst Edward Seidu Ajanako and Jonathan Scott Sarpong represented the country at the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships The Netherlands 2015.
Benin: One of the pillars of beach volleyball in West Africa, the country emerged in the zonal indoor and beach competitions and qualified for the All Africa Games.
Sao Tome: Appeared in the volleyball map for the first time with the organisation of courses and regular local competitions.
Eretria: Started organising local competitions as well as continental and international courses.
Somalia: Sponsored their local league which has become a more successful competition and organised a successful coaching course.
Namibia: Held a successful beach volleyball tour and qualified at the beach volleyball semifinal at the CAVB Continental Cup.
Mozambique: Showed more progress in beach volleyball and won the silver medal at the Men's All Africa Games beside continuing the great build up in local infrastructure. Qualified for both the men's and Women's All Africa Games volleyball tournaments.
Zimbabwe: Were the models of starting the African Dream Project and had the first presentation during the congress.
Mauritius: Great activity in beach volleyball as they qualified for the All Africa Games and semifinal of the Continental Cup.
Madagascar: Organised the historic zone 7 Club Championship with the participation of 13 teams. Organised a number of courses at zonal and continental levels.
Egypt: Clinched gold at the FIVB Volleyball World League 2015 Group 3 final and won a sixth consecutive Africa Nations Championship title.
Kenya: Claimed gold at the FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix 2015 Group 3 Finals. Won a record ninth African Nations Championship title.