Marco Akol Deng
Secretary General, South Sudan Athletics Federation
Sports governance in Africa is at a crossroads. On one hand, the continent has produced world-class athletes across virtually every discipline. On the other, the institutional frameworks that should support those athletes — federations, national Olympic committees, sports ministries — often lack the resources, capacity, and independence to function effectively.
Having participated in the JICA sports leadership and administration programme in Japan, I came away with a renewed appreciation for what sustainable governance looks like in practice. Japan's sports institutions are not perfect, but they are built on principles that African federations would do well to study: clear mandates, transparent financial management, and a genuine commitment to athlete welfare.
The challenge for federations like SSAF is not a lack of will — it is a lack of resources and, in some cases, a lack of models to follow. This is where continental solidarity matters. African federations should be sharing knowledge, co-developing governance frameworks, and advocating collectively for greater investment from governments and international bodies.
At SSAF, we have made governance reform a priority. This means clearer processes for athlete selection, more transparent financial reporting, and stronger relationships with World Athletics and the African Athletics Association. It is slow work, but it is the right work.
The athletes deserve institutions that are worthy of their talent. Building those institutions is the responsibility of every sports administrator on the continent.