ORGANISATION OF THE 14TH EDITION OF THE ECOWAS AFRICAN WRESTLING TOURNAMENT (TOLAC 2026) IN THE GAMBIA

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is pleased to announce the organisation of the 14th edition of the ECOWAS African Wrestling Tournament (TOLAC), to be held in Banjul, Republic of The Gambia, from 15 to 17 May 2026.

This major sporting and cultural event will bring together the best traditional wrestlers from ECOWAS member states, reflecting the Commission’s ongoing commitment, through the Centre for Youth and Sports Development, to promoting African cultural values, social cohesion and regional integration through sport.

An ancestral sport deeply rooted in the history and traditions of West African peoples, African wrestling is a powerful vehicle for bringing communities together. Through TOLAC, ECOWAS aims to preserve and promote this intangible cultural heritage whilst providing an international showcase for the region’s sporting talent.

The 2026 edition aims to further professionalize the sport, increase its media visibility and further promote West Africa’s cultural riches. It will pay particular attention to strengthening cultural and sporting cooperation between member states, increasing the participation of young people and women in activities promoting African heritage, improving the technical and logistical organisation of the tournament, and greater engagement of regional and international media.

The tournament will feature high-level competitions, artistic and cultural performances, as well as activities celebrating West African heritage. It will also provide a platform for intercultural dialogue and brotherhood among the peoples of the sub-region.

Through this 14th edition, ECOWAS reaffirms its commitment to making sport an instrument of peace, unity and sustainable development in West Africa.