South Africa Steals the Spotlight at home for African Rowing Championships

The 2025 African Rowing Championships returned to full continental scale, set against the scenic waters of Roodeplaat Dam. The host nation made the most of the opportunity, while a number of other African rowing nations stepped up, signalling the growing depth of the sport on the continent.

South Africa produced a dominant showing across multiple events, most notably with victories in both the men’s and women’s single sculls and double sculls. Olympic-level athletes led the charge: in the men’s single sculls, Christopher Baxter claimed top honours, while in the women’s single sculls it was Paige Badenhorst who stood at the top of the podium. Both athletes also won the men’s and women’s double sculls.

Alongside South Africa’s dominance, the Championships also offered a platform for other nations to shine, particularly in the lightweight categories. Tunisia produced a strong medal haul in lightweight events, winning the lightweight men and women’s single and double sculls, with Khadija Krimi and Ghaith Kadri winning two medals each.

Egypt also had a strong showing, winning the men’s quadruple sculls, while nations such as Algeria, Zimbabwe and Morocco also picked up medals in the U23 and U19 categories

For South Africa, the result affirms the country’s ambition ahead of upcoming global campaigns. The success at home will give the athletes and programme a strong morale boost. For Tunisia and other nations taking medals, this is proof positive that continental competitiveness is rising, and that the gap is narrowing.