The Sierra Leone Handball Association has announced that the country will host the inaugural Men’s and Women’s Senior Africa Nations Cup of Beach Handball from August 27 to 30, 2025, in Freetown. This landmark event is being organized in collaboration with the African Handball Confederation (CAHB) and will also feature a referee and technical delegate training course for participants across the continent.

According to Alie Gibril Koroma, the President of the Sierra Leone Handball Association, the tournament will serve as a qualifier for the 2026 Men’s and Women’s Senior Beach Handball World Championships, scheduled to take place in January 2026.

“This is a major achievement not just for the Handball Association, but for Sierra Leone as a whole,” Koroma stated. “We are preparing to welcome over 20 African nations, each bringing delegations of athletes and technical officials. This is by far the biggest handball event our country has ever hosted.”

When asked about government support, Koroma confirmed that the National Sports Authority (NSA) has officially endorsed the event, issuing a letter of support which has been submitted to CAHB. “We have their backing in principle,” he said.

Each participating nation is expected to bring a delegation of up to 15 members, comprising 10 athletes and 5 technical officials. Any additional members will be subject to accommodation costs: €60 per person per day in a double room, or €80 per person per day in a single room.

Delegations are expected to arrive on August 26, 2025, with the opening ceremony and first matches scheduled for the following day. The tournament finals will be played on August 30, with all teams departing on August 31.

Koroma emphasized the significance of hosting a continental qualifier: “This is a proud moment for our nation. It places Sierra Leone on the map as a serious player in African sports and showcases our capacity to host international competitions.”

As preparations intensify, the Handball Association is calling on both public and private stakeholders to support what promises to be a historic and unifying sporting event for Africa and Sierra Leone.