Congo to Host 2026 World Judo Championships for Peace

On 24 October 2025, in Budapest, Hungary, Minister of Sports and Leisure Didier Budimbu Ntubwanga and International Judo Federation (IJF) President Marius Vizer signed a landmark agreement confirming that Kinshasa will host the 2026 World Judo Continental Team Championships for Peace. The event, part of the IJF World Tour, will gather the world’s top judoka for one of the sport’s most prestigious competitions. It will be the first world judo championship staged in Africa since Cairo in 2005, underscoring the DRC’s emergence as a credible host for global events and a champion of soft power diplomacy.

Faces of the agreement – commitment and symbolism

The Budapest signing featured two pivotal figures. Marius Vizer, head of the IJF, called the decision “a magnificent celebration of sport, friendship, unity and the values of judo”. He noted that the DRC has shown “extraordinary commitment to developing judo and promoting youth and sports throughout the country”, making Kinshasa a natural host for the world championships. Didier Budimbu, a lawyer by training and one of President Félix Tshisekedi’s younger ministers, has championed sports diplomacy. He hailed the agreement as a sign that “the people of the DRC are honoured to welcome the world judo family to Kinshasa”, and emphasised that the event will showcase Congolese hospitality, culture, and passion for sport. Budimbu’s role mirrors the government’s wider efforts to promote international cooperation through sport and to project a modern, peaceful image of Congo.

Why Kinshasa?

As Africa’s third‑largest metropolis and one of the world’s fastest‑growing cities, Kinshasa offers a compelling stage for international sport. The capital has invested in new sports infrastructure and hospitality capacity, including the Martyrs Stadium renovation and the construction of an international‑standard judo centre supported by Japanese cooperation. Successful hosting of regional tournaments and cultural events has boosted confidence in the city’s organisational capabilities. The World Team Continental Judo Championships for Peace will take place in 2026, benefiting from Kinshasa’s improved transport links, burgeoning hotel stock, and a youthful population hungry for sporting spectacles. By securing this event, the DRC is asserting that it can provide the logistics, security, and operational excellence required on the world stage.

Economic and social impact: tourism and youth empowerment

The 2026 judo championship is expected to inject significant revenue into the local economy. Thousands of athletes, officials, and fans from across the globe will travel to Kinshasa, generating demand for hotels, restaurants, transport, and cultural excursions. Tourism receipts and international media exposure will help rebrand Kinshasa as a safe and welcoming destination. Beyond immediate economic benefits, the event will galvanise youth participation in sport. Budimbu emphasised that hosting the championship is a chance “to inspire our youth and demonstrate that Africa can host world‑class sporting events at the highest level”. Local judo clubs and school programmes are already expanding, meaning the championship could catalyse a generation of Congolese athletes and provide positive role models in a country seeking peace and stability.

Diplomatic weight: soft power over sabres

Sport has become an instrument of diplomacy and nation branding. By securing the 2026 World Judo Continental Team Championships, the DRC projects an image of stability, cooperation, and openness. It stands in contrast to some neighbouring states that channel resources into militarised foreign policies. The IJF’s decision demonstrates international confidence in Kinshasa’s ability to deliver major events and positions Congo as an influential player in global sport governance. For President Félix Tshisekedi, the championship aligns with his broader strategy of elevating Congo’s profile through peaceful engagement rather than conflict. Hosting the event also strengthens bilateral ties with Hungary and Japan and reinforces Congo’s alignment with Olympic values of friendship and respect.

Voices from the ground

Didier Budimbu, Minister of Sports: “Signing this agreement is more than a logistical win; it is a declaration that Congo is open for partnership. Kinshasa 2026 will unite athletes from every continent in the spirit of peace and competition. We want the world to see our vibrant city, to experience our culture, and to witness our youth rising through sport. This is the Congo we are building under President Tshisekedi’s leadership.”

Marius Vizer, IJF President: “We are delighted to bring the World Judo Continental Team Championships for Peace to Kinshasa in 2026. This event will be a magnificent celebration of sport, friendship, and unity. The Democratic Republic of the Congo has shown an extraordinary commitment to developing judo and promoting youth and sports throughout the country.”

Conclusion: Congo steps back onto the world stage

The Budapest agreement is more than a sporting contract – it is a symbol of national renewal. By hosting the 2026 World Judo Continental Team Championships, Congo signals that it is back on the world stage through peace, sport, and partnership. The investment in judo and infrastructure, the diplomatic engagement with the IJF, and the youth‑centred vision reflect a confident, rising nation. As Kinshasa prepares to welcome the world’s best judoka, Congolese citizens can take pride in a country that is choosing soft power over conflict, fostering unity through sport, and reminding the world that Congo is rising.