Nairobi, Kenya - The African Tennis Confederation (CAT) held its elective General Assembly on Friday, October 27, 2023, in Nairobi, Kenya, setting a record for participation. With 61 delegates representing 38 National Member Federations in attendance, this milestone event was graced by the esteemed presence of Mr. David Haggerty, President of the International Tennis Federation (ITF).

The General Assembly observed a keenly contested election among three distinguished candidates vying for the presidency. Jean-Claude Talon from Benin, Nelson Amanze from Botswana, and Issa Mboup from Senegal compellingly presented their visions for the future of CAT.

After a closely watched electoral process, Mr. Jean-Claude Talon emerged victorious in the second round of voting, securing 25 votes against his competitor Nelson Amanze's 12 votes. With this mandate, Mr. Talon assumes the esteemed position of the 9th President of CAT, succeeding the incumbent Tunisian President, Mr. Tarak Chérif, who held the role since 2004.

In addition to the presidential election, the General Assembly witnessed the successful appointment of other crucial positions within CAT's Executive Committee and representation of various African zones.

The newly constituted Executive Committee of CAT, entrusted with steering the organization's strategic goals for the term 2023-2027, comprises the following esteemed individuals:

• Mr. Jean-Claude Talon (Benin): President
• Miss. Fatime Kanté (Seychelles): CAT Women Representative 
• Mr. Abdelaziz Laarraf (Morocco): Vice President, President of Zone I (Northern Africa)
• Mr. Ifedayo Akindoju (Nigeria): Vice President, President of Zone II (Western Africa)
• Mr. Germain Ickonga Akindou (Congo): Vice President, President of Zone III (Central Africa)
• Mrs. Wanjiru Mbugua Karani (Kenya): Vice President, President of Zone IV (Eastern Africa)
• Mr. Jonas Alberto Junior (Mozambique): Vice President, President of Zone V (Southern Africa)

This momentous election represents a significant turning point for tennis development in Africa and reaffirms CAT's unwavering commitment to promoting the sport across the entire continent.