Botswana to Host 2026 World Athletics Relays – A First for Africa

 

In a historic win for African athletics, Botswana has been awarded the hosting rights for the 2026 World Athletics Relays, set to take place in Gaborone on May 2–3, 2026.

The announcement was made by World Athletics President Sebastian Coe during the council meeting in Nanjing, China, marking the first time the event will be held on African soil—and also the first-ever senior world sporting event to be hosted in Botswana.

Botswana’s Minister of Sport and Arts, Jacob Kelebeng, took to social media to celebrate the achievement, writing: “We have done it,” while applauding the Botswana Athletics Association (BAA) for their role in securing the bid.

The timing couldn’t be more symbolic as the event will coincide with Botswana’s 60th Independence celebrations in 2026—adding national pride to a global milestone.

Botswana’s men’s 4x400m relay team has become a rising power in world athletics, currently holding the World Relays title after striking gold at the 2024 event in the Bahamas. With a growing medal collection that includes bronze, silver, and gold, the team is already preparing to defend their crown at the 2025 World Relays in Guangzhou, China.

All eyes will be on Letsile Tebogo, the reigning Olympic 200m champion, who is expected to remain a key figure in Botswana’s relay ambitions.

With the world watching, Botswana’s hosting of the 2026 Relays promises to be a defining moment for the country—and for African athletics as a whole.