More than 100 players are taking part in the Open and Women’s sections in a nine-round Swiss tournament. The event was opened by FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich together with leaders of several African chess federations.
The most important African championship is taking place at the Cresta Hotel in Jwaneng, Botswana. The time control is 90 minutes for 40 moves, followed by 30 minutes until the end of the game, with a 30-second increment from move one.
Egypt’s star player Bassem Amin headlines the field in the Open section, while the Women’s event includes a strong group of under-18 players from across the continent.
With direct qualification to the FIDE World Cup at stake, Presiden of the African Chess Confederation (ACC), Tshepiso Lopang urged the players to make the most of the opportunity.
“Bring it all. Play safe. Defend. Attack! I’m really excited to see you all here and for making this event a reality,” Lopang said.
FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich attended the opening ceremony, which also marked the 50th anniversary of the founding of the African Chess Confederation at the Chess Olympiad in Tripoli in 1976. From its initial 11 founding nations, the ACC has grown to 48 member federations.
Dvorkovich congratulated the ACC on the milestone and praised the work of Lopang and Botswana Chess Federation President Kutlwano Tatolo in organising the championship.
“This signals that Botswana wants to be one of the leaders of chess development in Africa,” Dvorkovich said.
Turning to the players, Dvorkovich reminded them that they are role models for many children who will follow their games.
He noted that FIDE has dedicated 2026 to promoting chess in education, which remains one of the organisation’s key priorities. Dvorkovich added that players and organisers in Africa have an important place in this endeavour.
“You are going to play the key role, together with us. I hope we will do this together and make it a success,” Dvorkovich said.
“Since my first year as FIDE President, we have focused on developing chess in this region, which has huge potential. We have done some good things, and much more will follow. We are relying on all of you to help us promote this cause further.”
The FIDE President and officials from national federations then made the first ceremonial moves in the Women’s event, marking the official start of the 2026 African Individual Chess Championships.
Written by Milan Dinic
