By: Akoi M. Baysah, Jr.
The Sports Writers Association of Liberia (SWAL) is set to make history as it participates for the first time in a major international engagement under the International Sports Press Association (AIPS).
SWAL President Varmah Kamara departed Liberia early Wednesday to represent the association at the 8th AIPS Africa Congress, scheduled for February 6–9, 2026, in Bijilo, The Gambia.
The association described the development as a landmark milestone since SWAL’s establishment in 1986, noting that the congress places Liberia’s sports journalism body firmly on the continental stage.
According to SWAL, the event provides an important opportunity to strengthen international visibility and deepen engagement with sports writers’ associations across Africa.
Since assuming office, Mr. Kamara has pursued efforts to strengthen SWAL’s relationship with AIPS.
He has held a series of meetings with AIPS President Gianni Merlo, aimed at improving the association’s standing and ensuring its status within the international body remains current.
Kamara has also engaged FIFA Africa Regional Director Gelson Fernandez in discussions facilitated by the Liberia Football Association (LFA) late last year.
SWAL expressed appreciation to LFA President Mustapha I. Raji for his continued support toward strengthening the association and promoting professionalism within Liberia’s sports media sector.
The congress, to be held under the theme “Digital Media, AI, and Ethical Journalism in Africa,” will take place at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre. It is expected to attract sports journalists and stakeholders from across the continent.
High-profile attendees include Gambian President Adama Barrow, AIPS President Gianni Merlo, Ghana’s Sports Minister Kofi Adams, sports ministers from Senegal, Mali, Nigeria, and other African countries, along with renowned sports personalities.
According to AIPS, the congress will focus on capacity building, ethical standards, and the future of sports journalism in Africa.
