South Africa are the continent’s only representatives at the 2025 Rugby World Cup in England (22 August to 27 September), but the Springbok Women are looking for a first win at the tournament since 2014.

The country will also appear at the Women’s Cricket World Cup in September, looking to better their semi-final exits from the two most recent editions of the 50-over tournament.

Guinea will make their debut at the men’s World Handball Championships (14 January to 2 February) among a five-strong African contingent, while the women’s equivalent will begin in late November.

Egypt will stage the World Para-Powerlifting Championships (11-18 October), while Tokyo will be the venue for the Deaflympics the following month (11-18 November).

Archery and para-archery, badminton, beach volleyball, para-cycling, fencing, para-swimming and volleyball will also have world championships over the course of 2025.

Off the pitch and track, Kirsty Coventry is bidding to become International Olympic Committee president – one of the most important positions in sport.

The Zimbabwean is seen as an outsider for May’s election.

Meanwhile, Patrice Motsepe will have his second four-year term as president of the Confederation of African Football rubber-stamped in March.