Team AU: A Decolonial Imagination of Africa at Future Olympics

The Olympic Games symbolize unity, yet Africa’s representation often feels incomplete. Including 2024 Paris Olympics, no African country ranked in the top 10 for medal standings. Kenya's best recent performance was at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where it ranked 19th with 10 medals, including four golds. Despite this, there were remarkable performances from South Sudan's basketball team, long-distance runners from Kenya and Ethiopia, and South Africa in swimming.

The concept of Team AU takes a page from the playbook of Team GB (Great Britain), which unifies athletes from England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, the concept of Team AU envisions a unified African team. This model has propelled Team GB to the top ranks. Imagine the potential if Africa adopted a similar approach. The Policy Framework for the Sustainable Development of Sport in Africa, rooted in the African Union Agenda 2063, aims to achieve “The Africa We Want.” This framework is built on five pillars: An Active Africa, A Winning Africa, A Sustainable Africa, A United Africa, and An Innovative Africa. "A Winning Africa" focuses on developing inclusive and effective high-performance sports systems for African athletes to excel globally.

Decolonial imagination is about rethinking realities beyond colonial structures that have divided us, envisioning a future where Africa competes as a united front. Picture a single African team, the continent's best athletes under one flag, symbolizing unity and solidarity. This could lead to pooling resources such as coaching expertise, training facilities, and funding, resulting in better performance and more medals. Team AU would foster a sense of continental pride and identity, strengthening bonds between nations and wielding greater influence in international sports organizations, advocating for African athletes' interests and promoting mutual respect through sports.

Research entitled the "sport arms race" by Veerle De Bosscher and colleagues highlights that while GDP and population size are key, they are not the only factors. With 1.3 billion people, Africa has a vast talent pool, increasing the chance of discovering exceptional athletes. High participation in sports leads to greater competition and higher standards. Higher GDP countries like South Africa and Nigeria can invest more in sports infrastructure and training. Wealthier nations can provide better financial support, allowing athletes to focus on training. Access to the latest training technology gives athletes a competitive edge. Investment in sports science improves training methods and injury prevention. Higher GDP countries can host international events, boosting local sports culture.

Africa boasts diverse centers of sporting excellence. South Africa excels in rugby, cricket, and athletics with advanced infrastructure and sports science. Kenya produces world-class long-distance runners, supported by high-altitude training and a rich cultural heritage. Ethiopia is another powerhouse in long-distance running with strong athlete support systems. Nigeria excels in football, athletics, and is making strides in basketball. South Sudan and Rwanda showcase promising basketball talent internationally. Morocco has a strong football tradition, hosting top-tier clubs and academies, while Egypt excels in football, squash, and weightlifting, with significant youth sports investment. Zambia is showing great potential to be a powerhouse in women’s football.

Africa's diaspora, estimated at over 170 million people globally, represents a vast and underutilized resource. Many athletes of African descent compete for other nations, bringing a wealth of talent and experience that could benefit Team AU. Engaging the diaspora can tap into a broader talent pool and foster a richer sports culture.

Team AU is more than a sports concept; it’s a decolonial vision for Africa’s place in the world. It’s about shifting from fragmented post-colonial states to a united powerhouse. As Kwame Nkrumah said, “We face neither East nor West; we face forward.”

Imagining Team AU is an exercise in decolonial imagination, but it can also serve as an inspiration for key stakeholders. As the saying goes, “If you can imagine it, you can be it.” This vision aligns with the African Union’s "A Winning Africa" pillar and offers a powerful symbol of unity and potential. By embracing this vision, we can work towards a future where Africa not only competes but excels, united as one. In this decolonial future, the Olympics become more than a competition—they’re a stage for Africa to showcase unity, resilience, and excellence. Let’s dream of and work towards this vision, where Team AU stands as a beacon of hope and pride, fulfilling the aspirations of Agenda 2063.