Malian and Turkish authorities have announced that Bamako will host the Maarif African Games in 2027, following a meeting held on March 24 in the Malian capital.
The initiative further strengthens the presence of Türkiye’s Maarif educational network in Mali, where it is already active through various academic and sports programs.
Mali’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Abdoul Kassim Fomba, held talks with Türkiye’s ambassador to Mali, Efe Ceylan, focusing on youth engagement and the role of sports in fostering social cohesion, according to official sources.
It was during this meeting that the Turkish diplomat confirmed the organisation of the Maarif African Games, also known as “MAARIF-FESTA,” in Mali.
The announcement follows a similar event hosted in Bamako in February 2025. The Malian capital staged the second edition of the Africa Maarif Sports Games, bringing together nearly 2,000 participants from 20 African countries, according to the Maarif Foundation. Competitions were held at the Stade du 26-Mars.
Established by law in 2016, the Türkiye Maarif Foundation is tasked with developing educational institutions abroad. It operates in more than 50 countries and provides schooling to tens of thousands of students worldwide.
In Mali, the foundation’s presence dates back to a 2017 agreement with the Ministry of Education, allowing it to take over the management of several schools. This cooperation reflects the growing ties between Bamako and Ankara, particularly in education, training, and youth development.
Turkish authorities also highlight that Malian students have benefited from scholarships in Türkiye for decades, while noting a steady increase in trade between the two countries in recent years.
The planned hosting of this continental sporting event in 2027 reinforces Mali’s role within the Maarif network in Africa, combining educational initiatives with youth-focused activities.
MD/te/sf/lb/as/APA