Sebastian Coe Champions African Athletics Expansion as Davido and Omah Lay Shine at TGMA 2026

Sebastian Coe, the President of World Athletics, has issued a strong call for Africa to host a greater number of international athletics events to capitalize on the continent’s immense talent and historical contributions to the sport. Speaking in Accra ahead of the 2026 Africa Seniors Athletics Championships, Coe emphasized that the time is ripe for Africa to enhance its local expertise and infrastructure. This major sporting event is scheduled to take place from May 12 to May 17, 2026, at the University of Ghana Stadium, marking a significant milestone for Ghana as it prepares to welcome elite athletes from across the continent. Coe’s advocacy highlights a broader strategy to empower African sports administrators and technical officials through hands-on experience in hosting high-profile competitions. He noted that Africa has been a cornerstone of global athletics for over half a century, yet the frequency of major events hosted on the continent does not yet reflect this contribution. By bringing the Africa Seniors Athletics Championships to Accra, World Athletics aims to foster capacity building and ensure that the next generation of African sports professionals is equipped to lead the industry globally. Parallel to these developments in sports, the African entertainment industry continues to celebrate major milestones. At the 2026 Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA), the hit track 'With You' by Davido and Omah Lay was crowned the Best African Song of the Year. This victory is a testament to the duo’s significant influence and the song's massive popularity across the continent. 'With You' successfully triumphed over a competitive field of nominees, including Burna Boy’s 'Laho,' Tyla’s 'Chanel,' and Rema’s recent releases, reinforcing Nigeria’s continued dominance in the Afrobeats genre and the vibrant cultural exchange within the African music scene. Amidst these international and continental achievements, local initiatives in Ghana are focusing on the foundation of future success: education. In the Kwahu West Municipality, Municipal Chief Executive Tamimu Halidu recently demonstrated community support by donating over 3,000 yogurts and chocolates to Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) candidates. Distributed across 11 examination centers, this gesture was intended to motivate students during their crucial exams. Halidu urged the candidates to remain focused on their academic goals, highlighting the link between local educational support and the long-term potential for Ghanaian youth to excel in fields like sports and the arts. Together, these stories reflect a continent in motion, where high-level institutional advocacy from figures like Sebastian Coe meets cultural excellence and grassroots community support. Whether through the lens of international athletics, award-winning music, or educational encouragement, the focus remains on building a robust future for Africa. As Ghana prepares for both the 2026 championships and the continued growth of its creative and academic sectors, these developments underscore the collective effort required to maintain Africa’s rising status on the global stage.