Speaking on Africa Day today, the Algerian International Olympic Committee member said countries faced the emergence of new "political, security, economic, social and cultural challenges".

"Africa must undergo a transformation," he said. 

"This is why ANOCA is committed to making sport an instrument for the promotion of peace and development.

"Through sport, we must encourage healthy competition among African youth. 

"It is through them that our continent will experience the desired transformation."

ANOCA has launched an action plan for between 2021 and 2025, which includes young athletes as a key focus.

"Sport is one of those factors capable of boosting development in Africa," said Berraf.

"Sport appeals to young people, something we must take full advantage of.

"It is the best school of life that should generate economic, social and human development. 

"It should make our Africa a land of serenity, understanding, love, peace, solidarity and fair play, everything that Olympism holds dear."

Fifty OlympAfrica centres - a foundation owned by ANOCA to encourage more young people in Africa to get involved in sport - are currently up and running.

ANOCA also works with young people who live in refugee camps.

"We have set up a plan to support athletes, who found themselves in difficulty at the height of the health crisis imposed by the terrible COVID-19 pandemic since 2020," Berraf added.

"We prioritised the construction of sports infrastructure by encouraging the Governments of the 54 states to put all their efforts into providing African youth with the necessary comfort to express their prodigious talent. 

"Several African countries have made enormous sacrifices in this regard. 

"We hail and thank them most sincerely."

Africa is due to host the Summer Youth Olympic Games in 2026, in Senegal's capital Dakar.

This will be the first Olympics of any description on the African continent.

Also scheduled is the 2023 African Games in Accra in Ghana and the African Youth Games in Cairo in Egypt this year.

Hammanet in Tunisia is due to host the African Beach Games in 2023.

"All these events contribute in building a world of hope, peace and solidarity, which Africa needs for its development," said Berraf.

"Sport plays a central role in promoting peace, unity and development."

Africa Day is held every year on May 25.

It marks the founding of the Organisation of African Unity in 1963, which has since been succeeded by the African Union.