Rugby Afrique has a new General Manager as Maha Zaoui has been appointed to the position of the continental governing body of rugby in Africa. This announcement bodes well for the women’s game as Zaoui is well-known for her passion when it comes to the development of the female game as well as governance across the continent.
Zaoui has a wealth of experience when it comes to sports leadership with over two decades of experience as a sports leader. She hopes to leverage this opportunity to close the gender gap in African rugby. She will be integral in forging a path of growth and development as her track record in previous roles has shown when it comes to transformative programs.
“I am honoured to take on the role of General Manager of Rugby Africa,” said Zaoui.
“My vision for Rugby Africa is one of inclusivity, excellence, and sustainability, working alongside our unions, partners, and stakeholders to achieve this vision.”
Newly Appointed Rugby Afrique General Manager, Maha Zaoui
“As General Manager of Rugby Africa, I will continue to foster partnerships, strengthen financial and operational foundations, and deliver programs that build skills, foster community, and inspire excellence in rugby across the continent,” said Zaoui.
Previously serving as Rugby Africa’s Women’s Rugby Manager, Zaoui has been a key figure in advancing the sport across the continent, particularly in the area of gender equality.
Her leadership in initiatives such as the Rugby Africa – Sports Management Training Program (RA-SMTP), developed in collaboration with MEMOS (OS-IOC) and LUNEX University, has empowered African women sports leaders with essential management skills, strengthening rugby’s foundation for sustainable growth.
Before Rugby Africa, Zaoui served as Advisor to the Tunisian Minister of Youth and Sport, Assistant Professor at the Higher Institute of Sports and Physical Education (ISSEP)-Kef, and Executive Board Member of the Tunisian Olympic Committee.
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Zaoui has also represented African sports on the global stage as Deputy Chef de Mission for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, Chef de Mission at the African Games and Mediterranean Games, gaining invaluable experience in strategic planning, sports diplomacy, and partnership-building.
“Rugby Africa has an ethos to grow the game. As we strive to grow the game based on a strategic plan, Maha is the person to move us in that direction,” said Herbert Mensah, President of Rugby Africa.
“Our focus on growth through youth and gender is fundamental, and Maha’s expertise with strong views aligns with Rugby Africa’s vision,” said Mensah.
“While we continue to look internally at our resources and battle externally for assistance through partnerships, Maha has played a key role in Rugby Africa’s partnership with the French Development Agency (AFD) and French Rugby Federation (FFR), in a manner that aligns perfectly with Rugby Africa’s long-term vision.”
Under Zaoui’s appointment, Rugby Africa will continue its mission of innovating, inspiring, and engaging new audiences to grow rugby for all in Africa, aligning with Rugby Africa’s strategic plan to become a global leader in rugby development.
Main Photo Caption: Seasoned rugby administrator Maha Zaoui has been appointed as the new Rugby Africa General Manager, appointed to apply her decades of leadership experience to forge a path of growth and development for the continental rugby governing body. Photo: Rugby Afrique
