Following the initial announcement of the regulations and the record-breaking prize fund for the 2026 African Individual Chess Championships, the Botswana Chess Federation (BCF) has issued an official update regarding player participation and the final venue arrangements.
The tournament, which runs from June 18 to June 27, 2026, marks the first time Botswana is hosting the continent’s premier individual chess competition.
The Botswana Chess Federation has confirmed that players from 25 African countries will be participating in this year’s event. The field will feature a highly competitive lineup, including three Grandmasters (GMs) and more than ten International Masters (IMs), alongside numerous other titled players and regional champions.
As the most important continental chess event in Africa, the championship serves a dual purpose. Beyond the continental titles and the $30,050 prize fund, the event offers a direct qualification pathway to the prestigious FIDE Chess World Cup, raising the competitive stakes for the continent’s top talent.
This year’s championship carries additional historic weight as it directly coincides with the 50th Anniversary of the African Chess Confederation (ACC). The tournament will serve as a milestone celebration of five decades dedicated to promoting, developing, and advancing chess across the African continent.
While initial logistical plans pointed to the Cresta Lodge, the official press statement clarifies that the historic event will be held at the Debswana Jwaneng Mine from June 18 to June 27, 2026.
On behalf of the federation, BCF President Kutlwano Jady Tatolo expressed sincere gratitude to the Debswana Jwaneng Mine, as well as to corporate sponsors, partners, volunteers, government stakeholders, and the ACC for their support in organizing the competition.
