Limbani Matola on Malawi’s state of readiness ahead of hosting the 2025 Africa Cup

The 14th edition of the Africa Cup will take place at Griffin Saenda Sports Complex in Lilongwe from 8 December 2025.

Speaking to SABC Sport, Matola confirms that the host venue is officially upgraded, and ready to stage Africa’s biggest netball tournament. 

“Malawi is fully prepared, excited and more than ready to host Africa. Our facilities at Griffin Saenda Sports Complex, the venue of the tournament, have been upgraded, teams are already allocated support units, and all logistics are in place. Countries can expect top-class organisation, total security and warm Malawian hospitality. We are ready to deliver a world-class Africa Netball Cup,” said Matola.

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The tournament is inclusive of the men’s championship, this to motivate for the sport to be included in the Olympics Games in the near future. Matola explains the importance of this tournament to help accelerate the growth of the sport on the continent.

“This tournament is a powerful engine for growing netball across the continent—both for women and the emerging men’s game. It sharpens our athletes, improves our coaching and officiating standards, and inspires thousands of young Africans to take up the sport.

“We are very encouraged by Africa’s push to have netball included in the Olympic Games. The quality of competition on the continent proves we are ready. Olympic inclusion would be a huge win for our athletes and for gender equality in global sport,” added Matola.

Matola further unpacks the economic impact that comes with hosting an event of this magnitude.

“The Africa Netball Cup is boosting Malawi’s economy. Hotels, transport, food vendors, creatives and small businesses are already benefiting. The broadcast exposure also promotes Malawi as a tourism destination, while facility upgrades leave us with long-term sporting infrastructure,” he expressed.