The Gambia has been elected to chair the African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 2 Conference of Ministers for the 2026–2028 term.

Youth and Sports Minister Bakary Y. Badjie was elected Chairperson during a virtual meeting of the Conference on September 3, succeeding Nigeria.

Guinea was elected Vice Chairperson, while Cabo Verde will serve as Rapporteur.

AUSC Region 2 represents 15 West African countries, including The Gambia, Senegal, Ghana, Nigeria, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia and Côte d’Ivoire.

The Bureau will oversee the Conference and coordinate regional cooperation and initiatives in sports during its two-year mandate.

The Ministry of Youth and Sports said the election reflects growing recognition of The Gambia’s contribution to sports development and regional cooperation.

The ministry welcomed the confidence placed in The Gambia and pledged to work with member states to advance sports development and shared regional priorities.