Zimbabwe is poised to host a monumental edition of the African Youth Chess Championship (AYCC) next month, with a massive 17 countries having confirmed their participation for the prestigious continental event set to take place in Harare.
The tournament, which runs from December 6 to 14, 2025, will mark the country’s first time hosting an African Chess Confederation event since 2017, and it promises to be an exciting spectacle of young talent.
In a strong vote of confidence for Zimbabwe’s growing reputation as a destination for international sporting events, the sheer scale of confirmed participation has thrilled local organisers.
Registration for the AYCC officially closed last week, with an initial count of at least 600 players having signed up.
However, the Zimbabwe Chess Federation (ZCF) anticipates the overall number of participants—including accompanying officials—to be substantially higher, with an opportunity for late entries still open.
ZCF president, Todd Mapingire, expressed his delight at the overwhelming response, stating the event is set to be one of the largest in recent memory.
“We have 17 countries that have registered for the AYCC tournament and we are expecting more than 1,200 participants overall, with more than 600 players and the remainder being accompanying officials,” he said.
Mapingire confirmed that preparations were well underway.
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“The preparations have been going well, the LOC has been working tirelessly and we are confident that the tournament will be a success. We are glad with the support that we have been getting from the government,” Mapingire added.
Among the registered delegations, Kenya has confirmed a significant contingent of 69 participants, comprising 53 players and 16 officials, showcasing the deep regional interest in the championship.
The ZCF also announced that federations that did not register or make arrangements by the deadline will incur a penalty as per the official event brochure.
The 16th edition of the AYCC will be staged at Cresta Lodge in Harare. The event, which serves as a crucial qualifier for the World Chess Championship, was strategically moved from Victoria Falls to the capital to ensure more affordable and accessible travel for the vast number of competitors.
International titles and awards will be fiercely contested across the Under 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, and 18 categories for both boys and girls.
The return of top-tier continental chess to Zimbabwe underscores the nation's commitment to nurturing young talent across Africa.
Confirmed participating countries
Zambia, Libya, Uganda, Botswana, South Africa, Algeria, Eswatini, Zimbabwe (Host), Kenya, Mozambique, Malawi, Lesotho, Namibia, Egypt, Madagascar, Nigeria, Ghana.
