A delegation from the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA), led by the Director General, Mr Lamine FATY accompanied by the Technical and Development Director, Mr Aziz Daouda, stayed in Lusaka (Zambia) From November 07 to 09, 2022 as part of the preparations for the CAA Congress (April 15 to 17, 2023) and the U18 AND U20 African Championships (April 19 to 23, 2023). They went back satisfied with the mission with the slogan: "Lusaka 2023, let's make athletics different".
The delegation went to the Ministry of Sports for a courtesy visit which turned into a work session during which all issues related to the organization were reviewed. During the exchanges, the political willingness and the determination of the Zambian Government to make these events a great success was noted. This willingness is expressed, according to the Minister Elvis NKANDU, by the firm instructions received from His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zambia to give the event a popular stamp, by accompanying his decision with an increase in the budget which will be put in place.
The Lusaka National Stadium which is to host the championships has undergone a very thorough technical inspection. Regarding accommodation conditions, the City of Lusaka has several top hotels of all categories, which lays an embarrassment of choice.
Zambian National Television will be the Host Broadcaster of the Championships. As such, it will make the international signal available to the CAA. Television will continue its discussions with the Local Organizing Committee in order to find all the means necessary for a good TV production according to the required standards.
At the end of all the stages, the CAA delegation, in agreement with the Local Organizing Committee, will return to Lusaka to assess the progress of the works. A visit by the President of the CAA for the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding is scheduled for December.
The mission also gave indications and recommendations for dealing immediately with issues related to the event, including entry visas upon arrival, international transportation for appointed technical officials, the purchase of competition equipment and timing system and hotel reservations.
The CAA delegation left Lusaka with the conviction that Zambia will be capable to ensure the success of the events. Thanks were given to Elvis NKANDU, Minister of Sports and Culture and through him the Zambian Government for all the conditions offered to facilitate the stay and to Elias MPONDELA, President of Zambia Athletics Association and his entire team for the accompaniment and support throughout the mission.
It was agreed to provide the Lusaka edition with a logo which will be developed shortly and proposed to the CAA as well as a specific identity slogan which was agreed: "Lusaka 2023, let's make athletics different".
