Published: February 4, 2026
MONROVIA — The Sports Writers Association of Liberia (SWAL) is set to make its first-ever appearance at a major international sports journalism forum, marking a significant milestone for the organization nearly four decades after its founding.
SWAL President Varmah Kamara will represent the association at the 8th AIPS Africa Congress, scheduled for Feb. 6–9 in Bijilo, The Gambia, under the umbrella of the International Sports Press Association (AIPS).
Founded in 1986, SWAL has never before participated in an AIPS Africa Congress, making the engagement a historic first for the Liberian sports writers’ body.
In a statement released Tuesday, SWAL described the development as a landmark step that elevates the association’s profile on the continental sports journalism stage. The group said the congress will provide a rare opportunity for its leadership to engage directly with counterparts across Africa and strengthen its standing within the international sports media community.
Since assuming office, Kamara has pursued closer ties with AIPS, holding several engagements with AIPS President Gianni Merlo aimed at regularizing SWAL’s status and expanding its participation in international activities.
Kamara has also held discussions with FIFA Africa Regional Director Gelson Fernandes, meetings facilitated late last year by the Liberia Football Association.
SWAL expressed appreciation to Mustapha I. Raji, president of the Liberia Football Association, for what it described as consistent support toward strengthening the association and promoting institutional credibility within Liberia’s sports sector.
The congress will be held under the theme “Digital Media, AI, and Ethical Journalism in Africa” at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre.
According to AIPS Africa, the gathering will serve as a platform for sports journalists across the continent to exchange ideas, build professional capacity, and confront emerging challenges facing sports media in the digital age.
High-profile participants expected at the congress include Adama Barrow, President of The Gambia; Merlo; Kofi Adams, Ghana’s minister of sports; and sports ministers from Senegal, Mali, Nigeria and other African countries, along with prominent figures from the continental sports community.
Over the years, AIPS has played a central role in defending the rights of sports journalists, promoting ethical standards, supporting professional development, and creating platforms for learning and collaboration across the global sports media landscape.
Organizers say the AIPS Africa Congress aims to deepen collaboration among sports journalists and stakeholders, and to shape the future direction of sports journalism on the continent.
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