The African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5 Secretariat has concluded a high-level strategic mission to Luanda, Angola, to accelerate final preparations for the RASA 2026 – Region 5 Annual Sports Awards, scheduled for 23 May.
The two-day mission brought together regional leadership and national stakeholders to strengthen coordination, align priorities and finalise operational frameworks ahead of one of the region’s biggest sporting events.
With less than a month remaining before the awards ceremony, the engagements marked a crucial shift from planning to implementation as organisers intensified efforts to ensure a successful event.
Key discussions and technical sessions focused on four main areas: broadcast and media readiness to ensure extensive regional coverage; operational coordination with the Local Organising Committee (LOC); infrastructure and logistics planning; and protocol and institutional engagement to secure high-level participation.
A dedicated working session with the LOC, led by Angola’s Secretary of State for Sports, further strengthened alignment on timelines, responsibilities and delivery standards.
According to organisers, RASA 2026 will bring together all 10 member states of Region 5 to celebrate outstanding sporting achievements while reinforcing the region’s commitment to excellence, unity and development. The mission also confirmed important milestones leading up to the awards ceremony.
The adjudication process is scheduled for 7 to 8 May, while the official announcement of the top three finalists will take place on 11 May.
Press conferences are expected to run from 18 to 22 May, before the main RASA 2026 Awards Ceremony on 23 May.
Organisers additionally reviewed complementary activities surrounding the event, including the Ministers’ Tree Planting initiative and the Youth Forum, which form part of the broader institutional and networking programme.
The Region 5 Secretariat expressed confidence in Angola’s readiness to host the prestigious event and praised the collective commitment shown by member states in preparations thus far.
The engagement also highlighted the importance of continued collaboration between the Secretariat and national structures, with coordination expected to continue through both virtual and in-person engagements ahead of the ceremony.
As preparations enter the final stretch, Region 5 remains focused on delivering an awards platform that not only honours sporting excellence but also promotes regional integration and institutional cooperation.
“RASA 2026 is not just an event. It is a demonstration of what the Region can achieve when leadership, coordination and execution come together,” organisers said in a statement.
-lmupetami@nepc.com.na