Host nation DR Congo claimed 17 of the 25 gold medals at the 2026 International Boxing Association (IBA) Africa Elite Men’s and Women’s Championships, which concluded at the Stade des Martyrs Gymnasium in Kinshasa on 31 October.

The Congolese team won eight men’s and nine women’s titles, finishing with 24 medals overall. The result marked a major achievement for the hosts, who had finished runners-up at the previous two editions in 2023 and 2024.

Cameroon and Zambia won three titles each, with Cameroon taking second place in the standings thanks to 14 medals overall. Congo-Brazzaville and Mozambique claimed one title each.

“These championships were a celebration of African boxing. DR Congo delivered on home soil in spectacular fashion, but every nation that reached the podium can be proud of what their boxers achieved in Kinshasa. The standard of competition shows that Africa continues to produce world-class talent, and IBA is committed to giving these athletes the opportunities they deserve,” IBA Secretary General and CEO Chris Roberts OBE said.

Home favourites deliver in the finals

Among the Congolese champions were Gloire Kolongo Bakora, who defeated Cape Verde’s Daniel David in the men’s 54 kg division, and David Tshama, who claimed the 75 kg title.

Peter Pita Kabesi added another gold for the hosts in the men’s 92 kg category, defeating Uganda’s Emmy Abel Ebong by unanimous decision.

Joseph Disashi Yenge also claimed gold in the 71 kg division, defeating Mauritius’ Mervin Clair following a bout review.

The women’s team delivered nine gold medals, including victories for defending champions Benedicte Diyoka and Merveille Mbalayi Mbamba.

Diyoka defeated Congo-Brazzaville’s Benie Ndoudi Doudou in the 48 kg division, while Mbamba beat Senegal’s Maimouna Ka at 63 kg.

Sarah Enduwa Mongayi also claimed gold for DR Congo, defeating Mozambique’s Alcinda Lucas dos Santos 4–1 in the 70 kg final.

Cameroon, Zambia, Mozambique and Congo-Brazzaville celebrate titles

Cameroon’s three gold medals included victories for Reine Loure Ngoune in the women’s 52 kg division and Odetie Nicole Moudjongue at 50 kg. Zacharie Mvogo Amouggou completed the country’s tally by defeating Angola’s Fransisco Kazima Kabasu in the men’s +92 kg final.

Zambia secured all three of its titles in the men’s competition. Mwengo Mwale won the 57 kg division, Albert Ngulube took gold at 60 kg and Gerald Kabinda triumphed at 67 kg.

Mozambique’s Rady Gramane claimed the women’s 75 kg title, defeating Cape Verdean Olympian Ivanusa Moreira in the final.