08 Jun 2026

Botswana is set to host Africa’s finest chess players, officials and guests for the 2026 African Individual Chess Championships, scheduled to take place at Debswana Jwaneng Mine from June 18 to 27.

In a press release, the Botswana Chess Federation (BCF) said the championship marks a historic milestone as it will be the first time Botswana hosts the continent’s premier individual chess competition.

BCF president, Kutlwano Tatolo, said the tournament was recognised as Africa’s most prestigious individual chess event and served as a qualification pathway to the FIDE Chess World Cup, attracting some of the continent’s strongest players.

“We are delighted to confirm participation from 25 African countries, including three Grandmasters and more than 10 International Masters, alongside numerous titled players and rising talents who represent the future of African chess.

Their presence reflects the growing strength and popularity of chess across the continent and underscores the importance of this championship within the global chess calendar,” Tatolo said.

She said this year’s championship was particularly significant as it coincided with the 50th anniversary of the African Chess Confederation (ACC).

Tatolo said Botswana was privileged to join the African chess community in celebrating five decades of promoting, developing and advancing the sport across the continent.

“Botswana is deeply honoured to host this milestone celebration in Jwaneng and to contribute to the continued growth of African chess,” she said.

She further noted that hosting the championship demonstrated Botswana’s growing reputation as a destination capable of staging world-class sporting events.

According to Tatolo, the event also presented an opportunity to showcase Botswana’s hospitality, culture, tourism potential and organisational excellence to visitors from across Africa and beyond. She expressed gratitude to Debswana Jwaneng Mine, sponsors, partners, volunteers, government stakeholders and the ACC for their support in making the event possible.

Tatolo also invited Batswana to join the rest of the continent in celebrating the landmark occasion and to support players as they compete for continental honours and qualification to the FIDE Chess World Cup.

“Together, let us make the 2026 African Individual Chess Championships a memorable celebration of excellence, unity and the enduring power of chess to connect people across borders,” she said. ENDS