Chess Programme Expands to African Refugee Camps Through International Partnership
Kalobeyei, 25 May 2026
The International Chess Federation has partnered with UNHCR to deliver structured chess education across African refugee camps, building on their successful five-year programme at Kenya’s Kakuma and Kalobeyei camps that has already engaged over 330 girls.
Building on Five Years of Success
The collaboration between FIDE and UNHCR represents a significant expansion of an existing initiative that has already demonstrated remarkable impact. Since 2021, the organisations have partnered to run the Chess for Protection programme at the Kakuma and Kalobeyei refugee camps in Kenya [1]. This established foundation has provided valuable insights into how chess can serve as both an educational tool and a source of hope for displaced communities. The programme’s success was particularly evident in June 2025, when over 330 girls participated in a training camp at the Kakuma Girls Chess Club [1], showcasing the enthusiastic response from young refugees eager to engage with the strategic game.
Africa’s Growing Chess Renaissance
The timing of this partnership expansion coincides perfectly with Africa Day, celebrated annually on 25 May since 1963, which marks the founding of the Organisation of African Unity [1]. FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich has expressed particular optimism about the continent’s potential, stating: “With its cultural diversity and heritage, as well as having a growing young population, Africa has the greatest potential for chess growth in the world, and this is what we are trying to nurture” [1]. This sentiment is supported by concrete developments across the continent, with 51 out of 54 African countries now holding FIDE membership [1], demonstrating widespread institutional support for chess development.
Strategic Recognition and Future Investments
The international chess community has increasingly recognised Africa’s importance through major tournament allocations and hosting decisions. In April 2026, FIDE approved a rotation principle for the Chess Olympiad, prioritising Africa to host the 2032 event [1]. This follows a series of high-profile chess events on the continent, including the inclusion of chess in the 13th African Games in Accra, Ghana, from 8 to 23 March 2024, which featured a Mixed Team Rapid event with teams from 18 countries [1]. The momentum continues with upcoming events scheduled throughout 2026, including the African Continental Stage of the FIDE ISCF World Schools Team Championship in Cape Town from 6 to 11 July 2026, and Nigeria hosting the FIDE World Amateur Rapid and Blitz Championships in August 2026 [1].
Digital Innovation Inspiring Global Communities
The Chess for Protection programme has also inspired innovative digital initiatives that extend its reach beyond refugee camps. Medical professionals across Latin America have drawn inspiration from the FIDE-UNHCR partnership, with the Ibero-American Confederation of Family Medicine organising the first online Family Medicine Chess Tournament on 23 May 2026, specifically inspired by the Chess for Protection initiative [3]. This digital adaptation demonstrates how the core principles of using chess to build community and resilience can transcend geographical boundaries, connecting healthcare workers across multiple countries whilst supporting migrant health initiatives. The tournament’s organisers explicitly referenced the international Chess for Protection programme as their inspiration, highlighting how successful refugee-focused initiatives can catalyse broader community-building efforts worldwide [3].