The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) have announced a joint Afro-Asia Cultural Programme, set to take place in Doha, Qatar, on January 26, 2027. The event will serve as a cultural complement to the ongoing cooperation between the two continental bodies, aiming to deepen ties across sport, culture, education, and other Olympic ideals.

Details of the programme were shared by OCA Director General Husain Al Musallam during the OCA-NOCs-ANOCA Gathering held at the Hilton Hotel in Nagoya, Japan. The event is scheduled to occur a day before the OCA General Assembly. According to Husain, the collaboration between Africa and Asia traces back to 1982 and has consistently sought to advance the Olympic Movement through mutual support.

“This event will be held annually between the two continents,” Husain said, noting that the 2027 edition will focus on culture and music, with different themes planned for subsequent years. The 2027 programme will feature eight segments—four representing Africa and four representing Asia—drawn from diverse zones within both continents. Delegates are expected to arrive in Doha between January 24 and 25, with departures scheduled for January 28.

OCA President His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani welcomed delegates from the 45 National Olympic Committees present, extending best wishes to athletes competing in the 20th Asian Games underway in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, which opened on September 18 and will continue until October 4. Sheikh Joaan emphasized the significance of the gathering in reinforcing Africa-Asia relations.

ANOCA President Mustapha Berraf echoed similar sentiments, describing the meeting as a “historic moment” and expressing pride in the partnership between the two continents.

International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Kirsty Coventry, attending the gathering, described her return to Asia as “wonderful” and a “huge honour.” She expressed enthusiasm for the ongoing sports events and the potential of the Afro-Asia collaboration, underscoring the importance of continued cooperation between the two regions.

This new cultural initiative signals a widening of the cooperation between Africa and Asia in the Olympic sphere, aiming not only to promote sporting excellence but also to enhance cultural exchange and educational connections under the Olympic spirit.