……The continent’s voice In volleyball
By Gouda Abu Al-Nour
CAIRO, September 22, 2025 – In the world of sports, the role of federation leaders and sports institutions remains no less important than that of the champions on the field. Among these prominent figures, Bouchra Hajij stands out as an influential sports personality not only in Africa but also on the Arab and international stage. She currently serves as President of the African Volleyball Confederation, Vice President of the Arab Volleyball Federation, Vice President of the International Volleyball Federation, in addition to being a member of the International Olympic Committee and the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA).
Far from being a mere administrator, Hajij has become known for her strong field presence. She tirelessly travels across countries and regions, closely following continental and international tournaments and identifying on-the-ground challenges. With her ambitious vision and determination to develop the sport, Hajij has become a model of inspiring female leadership, striving to elevate volleyball to the global stage.
A career That Began On The Court
Bouchra Hajij’s rise to the top of African sports leadership was no coincidence or stroke of luck, but the fruit of a long journey of dedication, hard work, and both athletic and professional commitment. From 1986 to 2002, she played for Morocco’s national women’s volleyball team, and represented several leading clubs such as Club Maknassi, AS FAR (Royal Army), Crédit Agricole, and Fath Union Sport of Rabat.
Her career extended to beach volleyball as well, where she competed from 1996 to 2002 in African and Arab championships and the African Clubs Championship, in addition to representing Morocco at the Mediterranean Games and the Francophone Games.
From The Court To Leadership
Hajij transitioned from competitive sports to institutional leadership, becoming President of the Moroccan Volleyball Federation before being elected Vice President of the African Volleyball Confederation in 2015. In 2020, she achieved a historic breakthrough by becoming the first Moroccan and Arab woman elected President of the African Volleyball Confederation.
She also holds other key international positions, including:
• Vice President of the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB).
• Vice President of the Arab Volleyball Federation.
• Member of the IOC’s Olympic Culture and Heritage Commission.
A special love for Egypt and the Arab World
Those close to Hajij describe her love for Egypt as indescribable, and her affection for the Arab world and Africa as deeply genuine, not just a slogan raised on special occasions but a reality she embodies through action. A clear example is her intervention with the International Volleyball Federation to secure Egypt the hosting rights of the African Youth Championship. When the tournament date conflicted with Egypt’s participation in the World Championship in China, she intervened again to postpone it from August to September 2025, ensuring Egypt’s full participation. These practical steps reflected her deep respect for Egypt’s role and stature in both Arab and African sports.
• Member of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA).
A Living Example Of Commitment
Another testament to her hands-on approach was her presence at the African Youth Championship in Cairo (September 11–21, 2025), where she attended a large portion of the matches. She then traveled to the Philippines to attend FIVB meetings held alongside the World Championship there, before returning once again to Cairo to follow the semifinals and the final match.
At the closing ceremony, she personally handed Egypt’s team the championship trophy, awarded Cameroon the silver medals, and Kenya the bronze, while also honoring participating players and referees. This intense journey across two continents highlights the depth of her responsibility and her unwavering commitment to serving the sport at every level.
Inspiring Leadership And Women’s Empowerment
Over five years as President of the African Volleyball Confederation, Hajij has demonstrated exceptional skill in management, strategic planning, and sports development, making her a leading African female role model in sports leadership. She has gone beyond managing tournaments to turning her position into a platform for advocating gender equality and women’s empowerment in sports, becoming an influential voice for enhancing women’s presence in decision-making positions.
International Recognition And Well Deserved Honors
Hajij has received multiple international honors in recognition of her contributions to developing volleyball and promoting equality in sports, including:
• The International Honor Medal from the President of the FIVB.
• Officer of the National Order awarded by the President of Chad.
• Several recognitions from African and international institutions for her role in promoting women’s sports and developing beach volleyball on the continent.
Moroccan Royal Support And Sports Diplomacy
No account of this success story would be complete without highlighting the official and political support from Morocco, especially from King Mohammed VI, who views sports as a strategic pillar for comprehensive development and a vital engine for Africa’s youth. His Majesty is committed to supporting Moroccan leaders across all fields, including sports, to strengthen Morocco’s influence and soft power.
At a time when sports diplomacy has become as important as political diplomacy, Bouchra Hajij has emerged as a distinguished Moroccan figure embodying this strategic vision and placing Morocco at the heart of continental and global sports influence.
Bouchra Hajij is not just a sports administrator; she represents a symbolic case of Arab and African women breaking cultural and institutional barriers to reach decision-making positions. She has truly become a “leadership brand” in Africa, positioning Morocco at the center of continental sports influence and reinforcing women’s presence in leadership roles. From the continent of Africa to the world’s arenas, Bouchra Hajij proves that sport is not just competition, but a civilizational and human message rooted in values of dedication, empowerment, and unity.
Culled from AIPS
