The Africa Women’s Sevens Cup has grown into one of the continent’s most significant rugby tournaments, showcasing the talent, determination, and progress of women’s rugby across Africa. Since its inception in 2004, the competition has evolved remarkably, both in scale and purpose, shaping the future of women’s rugby on the continent.The tournament was first held in 2004 in Tunisia, featuring only teams from Northern Africa.In 2008,the tournament held in Uganda had a significant impact as it served as the world cup sevens qualifier for women`s teams from Africa.
A major turning point came in 2009, when Rugby Sevens was officially accepted as an Olympic sport, with its debut set for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. This global recognition inspired Rugby Africa to strengthen the women’s game, leading to the establishment and consistent expansion of the Africa Women’s Sevens Cup. The objective was clear — to promote the Sevens format equally among both genders and to ensure African nations were well-prepared for Olympic qualification.
Over the years, the tournament has recorded notable growth. Until 2022, it regularly featured nine teams, providing fierce continental competition. In 2023, the format was adjusted to an eight-team structure, serving as a qualifier for the 2024 Paris Olympics. The most recent transformation came in 2024, when the competition held in Ghana expanded to 12 teams, marking a major stride toward equity with the men’s category and allowing more nations to participate.
In terms of success, South Africa has been the most dominant nation in the tournament’s history, boasting an impressive 11 championship titles. The Kenya Lionesses, who will host the 2025 edition in Nairobi, claimed their first-ever title in 2018, while Tunisia lifted the trophy once, in 2012.The tournament has also produced memorable moments over the years. One of the standout performances came in 2022, when Tunisia secured a third-place finish, ranking ahead of traditional powerhouses Kenya and Uganda. In the same year, Madagascar made history by qualifying for the 2022 Rugby World Cup Sevens, marking a proud milestone for the island nation.
Beyond continental competition, the Africa Women’s Sevens Cup has had significant global impact. It has provided African nations such as Kenya, Uganda, and Madagascar with the pathway to Olympic qualification in different years. Additionally, it has served as a gateway for teams to qualify for the HSBC Sevens Challenger Series, further integrating African women’s rugby into the global arena.As the tournament returns to Kenya for only the second time since 2014, anticipation is high. The 2025 edition promises not only thrilling rugby but also a celebration of how far the women’s game in Africa has come.
