World Aquatics is pleased to announce that the construction of new swimming pools is now underway in four African nations – Burundi, Uganda, Rwanda and Lesotho – with all four facilities expected to be completed by October 2026.

The projects are being delivered as part of the World Aquatics 'Pools for All' programme, and form a central component of a broader partnership between World Aquatics, the International Olympic Committee (IOC), and the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA), aimed at developing aquatic disciplines and improving water safety across the African continent.

A fifth country, Cape Verde, has also signed an initial agreement to join the Pools for All programme, with the construction contract currently being finalised.

A Collaborative Approach to Development

The construction of each pool is the result of close collaboration between World Aquatics and its partners on the ground.

World Aquatics is responsible for funding and delivering each pool structure, while Lokang is the supplier carrying out the installation work in each country.

Everything surrounding the pool infrastructure, including facilities management, human resources and technical capacity, falls under the responsibility of each country's Member Federation, National Olympic Committee and/or local government.

This shared model of responsibility ensures that each facility is built to a high standard and embedded within the local sporting and community landscape.

Supporting the development of aquatic sports through Pools for All

The Pools for All initiative was created by World Aquatics to help countries without adequate aquatic infrastructure to develop the sport in a sustainable way. With drowning among the leading cause of death worldwide, the programme supports the creation of long-term development strategies that increase participation and strengthen water safety education at a community level.

This complements the work of the Discover Water programme, which aims to provide young children around the world with the necessary education and skills to enjoy aquatic sports safely.

A Landmark Partnership for the Region

In Africa, where access to safe swimming facilities remains limited in many regions, these pools represent a transformative step, serving both as training environments for elite athletes and as community hubs where young people can learn to swim safely and develop a love of aquatics.

World Aquatics looks forward to the continued progress of these important facilities in Burundi, Uganda, Rwanda and Lesotho, and celebrating their completion later this year.