NAIROBI, Kenya – The stage has been set for two landmark tournaments – the Africa Netball Cup 2026 and the Netball World Cup Sydney 2027 Qualifiers Africa – in a highly contested week that will bring together the continent’s leading women and men’s national teams in Nairobi – Kenya; from 19-to-26 September 2026.
This eight-day continental championship to be held at the Kasarani Indoor Arena; will combine two significant competitions: the women’s competition will serve as Africa’s qualification pathway to the Netball World Cup Sydney 2027, while the men’s tournament will see seven national teams battle for continental honours and contribute to the continued growth of men’s netball across Africa.
The Netball World Cup Sydney 2027 Qualifiers Africa will feature Zimbabwe, Malawi, Namibia, Zambia, Botswana, Kenya, Tanzania and Nigeria, with the nations competing for the opportunity to represent Africa at the 2027 Netball World Cup. Alongside the World Cup qualifiers, the Africa Netball Cup women’s competition will feature South Africa, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Namibia, Zambia, Botswana, Kenya, Tanzania and Nigeria, bringing together a strong field of established continental contenders. The men’s competition will feature South Africa, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Uganda, Botswana, Malawi and Eswatini, highlighting the growing investment in and development of men’s netball across the continent.
Men’s Netball Takes Centre Stage in Nairobi
Men’s netball will take another important step forward when seven of Africa’s formidable men’s national teams gather in Nairobi for the Africa Netball Cup 2026. The tournament will provide an important platform for established contenders, emerging challengers and nations continuing to strengthen their men’s programmes to compete against one another at continental level.
For the players taking to the court, the championship represents more than the pursuit of a medal. It provides an opportunity to gain valuable international experience, increase the visibility of men’s netball and contribute to creating stronger pathways for a new generation of players across Africa.
South Africa will arrive in Nairobi as the defending champions and one of the major forces in African men’s netball. Their continued success has been supported by the development of the domestic men’s game and increased opportunities for players to gain international exposure. Their position at the top has, however, contributed to an increasingly competitive field.
Zimbabwe will once again be among the teams looking to challenge for continental honours. Their strong performances in previous editions have established them as one of South Africa’s leading rivals and demonstrated the continued development of their national programme. For Kenya, competing on home soil adds another dimension to the championship. With the tournament taking place in their home ground, the Kenyan men will have the opportunity to showcase their progress in front of home supporters while helping introduce a wider audience to the growing men’s game.
Uganda, Botswana and Malawi will add further depth to the competition, with their participation reflecting the increasing commitment among African netball nations to developing men’s programmes and creating regular opportunities for players to compete internationally.
And, Eswatini will also look to build on its progress and challenge the established order, further demonstrating the expanding competitive landscape of men’s netball across the continent.
Building the Future of Men’s Netball
The continued inclusion of a dedicated men’s competition represents an important development for the Africa Netball Cup. Beyond the results on court, the championship provides national federations with opportunities to develop domestic structures, identify emerging talent, strengthen coaching while also officiating and providing players with pathways to meaningful international competition.
The growth of the men’s game is particularly significant as more African countries continue to create opportunities for men and boys to participate in netball and pursue the sport at elite level. Nairobi will therefore provide another important chapter in that development. South Africa will enter with the target on their backs, while Zimbabwe will look to challenge for the title. Kenya will carry the energy and expectation of the home crowd, while Uganda, Botswana, Malawi and Eswatini will each be looking to make their mark and demonstrate the progress of their respective programmes.
One Stage, Two Significant Continental Objectives
With the women’s competition also serving as the Netball World Cup Sydney 2027 Qualifiers Africa, the Nairobi championship will provide an important platform for the continued growth and development of netball across the continent. The combination of the women’s World Cup qualifiers as well as the men’s and women’s Africa Netball Cup competitions – create an eight-day celebration of African netball – bringing together nations, players, coaches, officials, supporters and stakeholders from across the continent.
For the women, the stakes will include the opportunity to secure qualification for the global stage in Sydney in 2027. For the men, the focus will be on competing for continental honours while continuing to build the profile and competitiveness of the men’s game. Ultimately, the Africa Netball Cup 2026 and Netball World Cup Sydney 2027 Qualifiers Africa will be about more than the final results. It will provide a platform for visibility, competition, development and opportunity; allowing players to compete at the highest continental level while inspiring the next generation of netballers across Africa.
When the teams take to the court at Kasarani from 19-to-26 September, they will not only be competing for qualification and continental rankings but also contributing to the continued growth of African netball and helping shape the future of the sport across the continent.
