♚ACC New Team
NEXTMOVE

Benard Wanjala
FOR PRESIDENT

One Africa. One Voice. A working Confederation.

A united, accountable, and progressive leadership team dedicated to ensuring every African federation is heard and supported.

◎Inclusivity
◇Sustainability
▲Accountability
♞Working Confederation.   United Africa.   A brighter future.
The slate · 27th July 2026

Nine candidates. One African Chess Confederation.

A team built for accountability, growth and reform. Drawn from across Africa — players, organisers, federation leaders — and ready to deliver the program in full from day one.

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President
President

Benard Wanjala

Benard Wanjala brings over 20 years of experience in chess administration, leadership, and strategic development at various levels of the game.

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Deputy President
Deputy President

Mohamed Abdullah Garaad

President of the Somali Chess Federation and active FIDE Arbiters’ Commission member with decades of international arbitration experience.

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VP Administration
VP Administration

Bongo Akanga Ndjila, Barthelemy

Champion of Gabon and International Arbiter with extensive experience organizing major chess development activities.

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VP Technical
VP Technical

Lewaks, Andre

President of Chess South Africa, strongly advocating for grassroots and school-level chess programs across the region.

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VP Region A
VP Region A

Christiana Naa Merley Ashley

President of Ghana Chess Association and FIDE Events Commission member focused on youth participation and inclusion.

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VP Region B
VP Region B

Chouari Wajdi

Experienced International Arbiter and FIDE Trainer bringing deep technical and organizational expertise to the continent.

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VP Region C
VP Region C

Mario Lourenco

President of the General Assembly of the Angolan Chess Federation, championing digital development and institutional discipline.

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Secretary General
Secretary General

Otto Z. Nakapunda

Former President of Namibia Chess Federation and founder of Zandell Chess Academy, bringing extensive organizational leadership.

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Treasurer
Treasurer

Brou, Kouassi Nguessan Justin

President of the Ivorian Chess Federation and legal counselor with profound expertise in institutional governance.

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Our Core Values

Building lasting structures.

01

Inclusivity

Every federation, regardless of language, size, or region, deserves equal representation and opportunity. Our vision is an ACC where all voices are heard and respected.

02

Sustainability

Development must go beyond events and promises. We are committed to building lasting structures, strong partnerships, and sustainable financial systems that will secure the future of African chess.

03

Accountability

African chess deserves leadership that is visible, responsive, and answerable to its federations. We believe in transparent governance, collective decision-making, and measurable delivery.

ACC General Assembly

One federation. One vote. One African Chess Confederation.

Read the full program and meet the candidates — published, transparent and accountable.

Read the program →Read our mission