Rwanda secures hosting rights for 2026 African Volleyball Club Championship

Rwanda has officially secured the rights to host the 2026 CAVB Men’s African Volleyball Club Championship, one of the continent’s most prestigious club volleyball competitions.

The agreement was signed on Thursday, March 5, 2026, during a ceremony held at the Kigali Convention Centre.

The signing was attended by the President of the Rwanda Volleyball Federation, Raphaël Ngarambe, and the President of CAVB, Bouchra Hajij, alongside Rwanda’s Minister of Sports, Nelly Mukazayire, and other sports stakeholders.

Following the signing, Kigali will welcome 24 of Africa’s top volleyball clubs from April 20 to May 3, 2026.

The competition, which will be held for the 47th time, features champion clubs from different African national leagues, along with other strong teams from across the continent.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, FRVB President Raphaël Ngarambe expressed Rwanda’s excitement about hosting such a major continental event, noting that the tournament will also provide qualification opportunities for the FIVB Club World Championship.

“We are pleased to sign this agreement to host such an important competition in Rwanda. It will be a great opportunity for our country and for African volleyball, as the tournament offers a pathway to the Volleyball Club World Championship,” He added

CAVB President Bouchra Hajij praised Rwanda for accepting to host the competition, highlighting the country’s strong reputation for organizing international sporting events.

“Rwanda is one of our key partners. The ease of obtaining visas for African visitors is one of the factors that makes events here successful. Rwanda has already demonstrated its capacity to host major international competitions, and we are confident that the 2026 championship will be outstanding,” She added

Rwanda’s Minister of Sports, Nelly Mukazayire, also welcomed the opportunity, describing it as a proud moment for the country to host the continent’s top club volleyball tournament for the first time.

“It is an honor for Rwanda to host the African Club Championship for the first time. The tournament will bring together 24 strong teams, and as hosts we are ready to showcase our hospitality and provide a platform where athletes can display their talents at the highest level,” She added

During the ceremony, the official logo of the 2026 championship was also unveiled.

The previous edition of the tournament was held in 2025 in Misurata, Libya, where Swehly Sports Club won the title. Rwanda’s APR Volleyball Club finished fourth.

As the host nation, Rwanda will be represented by four teams based on the standings of the previous national league season. Potential representatives include APR VC, Police VC, REG VC, and Kepler VC.

Rwandan clubs have previously made history in the competition.

In 2022, Gisagara Volleyball Club became the first Rwandan team to win a medal at the African Club Championship after finishing third in Kelibia, Tunisia, defeating Port de Douala 3–1 in the bronze medal match.

The 2026 edition in Kigali is expected to further strengthen Rwanda’s reputation as a leading destination for international sports events while promoting the growth of volleyball across the African continent.

Photos

Nelly Mukazayire

Bouchra Hajij

Ngarambe Raphaël