The Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN) is setting the stage for a groundbreaking event in 2026, seeking a strategic partnership with the Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy to co-host the prestigious All-Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT) in Abuja. This Royal and Ancient sanctioned tournament promises to be more than just a golf championship—it’s a cultural and economic showcase for the continent.
Dr. Lami Ahmed, LGAN President and Chairperson of the AACT 2026 Local Organising Committee, made the formal proposal during a courtesy visit to Minister Hannatu Musa Musawa in Abuja. The tournament is scheduled for November 2-7, 2026, at the IBB International Golf and Country Club, and the LGAN is rallying support to make it a landmark event.
Under the proposed collaboration, the ministry would serve as the Cultural Night Partner, curating an evening that celebrates Nigerian arts, music, fashion, and cuisine for African teams, diplomats, ministers, and global media. Over 30 African national delegations, alongside diplomats and government representatives, are expected to converge on Abuja for seven days of sport, cultural exchange, and business dialogue.
The LGAN also requested the ministry to officially designate AACT 2026 as an Official Cultural Economy Event. Additionally, they seek facilitation for the inclusion of the AACT 2026 Sports-to-Business Investment Pavilion in Nigeria’s creative economy presentation at the 4th Nigeria-Belgium-Luxembourg Business Forum in Brussels, scheduled for October 28-30, 2026.
Minister Musawa responded positively, promising to review the proposal and explore areas for collaboration. She emphasized that golf is more than a sport—it’s a community. “Golf builds resilience, gives you a huge appreciation of nature, and from a mental health point of view, it is a sport that should be spread and encouraged for young Nigerians to embrace. This Cultural Night partnership falls squarely within the mandate of the Ministry. This is what we want to encourage,” she said.
She added that hosting the championship presents an opportunity to expand Nigeria’s tourism narrative beyond Lagos. “Abuja, being the capital of Nigeria, is a great opportunity for us to make that a staple for people to come in. We have to move that conversation away from Lagos to show what other parts of Nigeria have to offer. The local community is going to benefit as we leverage this opportunity in the FCT.”
Dr. Ahmed responded that the proposed partnership marks a defining moment for women’s golf and Nigeria’s creative economy. “AACT 2026 is more than a tournament. It is Africa’s premier platform where sport meets culture, tourism and investment. By partnering with the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, we are ensuring that the world sees the richness of Nigerian creativity while creating real opportunities for our youth, artisans and entrepreneurs. Abuja will host Africa, and Nigeria will show why we are the heart of the continent’s creative future,” she said.
