Moroccan Sports Leader Bouchra Hajij Named Among Africa’s 50 Most Influential Women in Sports for 2025
Rabat, The Gulf Observer: Bouchra Hajij, President of the African Volleyball Confederation (CAVB) and Vice President of both the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) and the Arab Volleyball Federation, has been named among the “50 Most Influential African Women in Sports for 2025.”
The list, announced by the Africa Sports Ventures Group (ASVG), celebrates exceptional women who are shaping the future of sports across Africa and its diaspora through leadership, innovation, and advocacy.
From Olympic medalists and government ministers to federation presidents, CEOs, journalists, and grassroots champions, this year’s honorees represent the diversity and dynamism of African sports. The recognition underscores the increasing influence of women in transforming the continent’s sporting landscape through governance, participation, and entrepreneurship.
Established by ASVG to honour women breaking barriers across all areas of sport — from management and policy to performance and social impact — the Awards have become one of Africa’s most respected acknowledgments of female leadership and excellence in sports.
“These extraordinary women represent the heartbeat of African sports. Their courage, vision, and excellence inspire not just the next generation of women in sport, but an entire continent striving for transformation,” said Leslie Koroma Sr., Founder and CEO of the Africa Sports Ventures Group.
Bouchra Hajij’s inclusion on the list highlights her outstanding contributions to the development of volleyball in Africa and her consistent advocacy for greater women’s participation in sports leadership.
Since assuming the presidency of CAVB, Hajij has led structural reforms within the Confederation and launched a series of capacity-building and development programs aimed at strengthening national volleyball teams — particularly in women’s categories — across the continent.
The 2025 honorees also include internationally renowned figures such as Kirsty Coventry, Chair of the International Olympic Committee’s Athletes’ Commission; Fatma Samoura, former FIFA Secretary-General; and Clare Akamanzi, CEO of NBA Africa. Among the athletes recognized is Faith Kipyegon of Kenya, multiple world record holder and two-time Olympic champion.
This latest recognition further cements Bouchra Hajij’s status as one of Africa’s foremost sports administrators and exemplifies the growing role of Moroccan women in global sports leadership — contributing to the Kingdom’s rising prominence in international sporting governance and diplomacy.
