The 1st AMGA was held in Nairobi Kenya in 2001 under the patronage of His Excellency Daniel Arab Moi. The decision by CISM authorities in Africa to stage the first African Military Games in Nairobi stands as a landmark moment in the history of military sport on the continent. This bold and visionary initiative brought together thirty-two African nations—four of them as observers—for the first continental multisport event of its kind.
In doing so, Africa became the first region within CISM to successfully organise a competition of such scale and diversity, setting a powerful precedent for unity and excellence through sport. What made this achievement even more remarkable was the fact that the event was conceived, planned, and delivered entirely through African expertise, resources, and determination.
The Games attracted a distinguished audience of political leaders, senior military officials, and prominent figures from the sporting world, significantly enhancing the visibility and influence of OSMA across the continent. Beyond competition, the event served as a symbol of African capability, cooperation, and ambition.
This historic success was driven by the vision and leadership of Hamad Kalkaba Malboum, the first President of OSMA, whose foresight and commitment laid the foundation for what has become a defining pillar of military sport in Africa.
