Matt Classic, the Executive Director of AIWF with Olusesan Olukoya, The President of AIWF Africa in NC, USA
Two African nations — Botswana and Ghana — have officially joined the Allied Independent Wrestling Federations (AIWF), a world-renowned professional wrestling organization based in the United States.
Founded in 1992, the AIWF serves as an international governing and sanctioning body for independent wrestling promotions around the world — much like FIFA does for global football. The organization oversees championships, facilitates cross-promotional matches, and unites wrestling federations under one professional and ethical umbrella.
The federation’s mission includes:
Uniting independent wrestling promotions under one alliance,
Sanctioning global championship titles (such as AIWF World, AIWF Tag Team, and AIWF Women’s Titles),
Promoting training and exchange programs among member countries, and
Enhancing global exposure for regional wrestling talents.
Before the latest additions, eight African countries were already part of the AIWF family: Tunisia, South Africa, Cameroon, Togo, Congo DRC, Zimbabwe, Benin Republic, and Nigeria. With Botswana and Ghana joining, the African membership has now grown to ten nations, contributing to a total of fifty-four member federations worldwide.
The President of AIWF Africa, Ambassador Olusesan Olukoya, has been officially mandated by the AIWF Secretariat in North Carolina, USA, to visit Botswana and Ghana. His mission is to assess training needs, guide their wrestling federations toward international standards, and discuss plans for hosting a continental championship event in the coming year.
Under Olukoya’s leadership, AIWF Africa serves as the continental branch of the global body, tasked with uniting and developing wrestling promotions across the continent. Its core objectives include integrating African federations into the global AIWF system, sanctioning internationally recognized championships, creating pathways for media exposure and overseas bookings, and promoting cross-continental partnerships with Europe and North America.
Speaking on Botswana’s new status, Dr. Moagi Sharp, President and Founder of the Botswana Pro Wrestling Federation, expressed excitement and optimism:
> “It is indeed a great honour for Botswana to be part of the AIWF family worldwide. We are already at an advanced stage to kick-start our pro wrestling shows by April next year, with our wrestling ring already purchased. We are committed to taking pro wrestling in Botswana — and at the continental level — to greater heights.”
Similarly, Christiana Naa Merley Ashley, who oversees professional wrestling development in Ghana, described the country’s inclusion as a major milestone:
> “It is big news for the Ghana Pro Wrestling Federation, which is currently gaining ground in the sport. Joining the AIWF global network will definitely boost Ghana’s presence in African and world wrestling scenes, bringing exciting matches and opportunities for our athletes. We are truly excited to be part of the AIWF global family.”
With these latest additions, the AIWF continues to expand its influence in Africa, furthering its goal of professionalizing and globalizing pro wrestling across all continents.
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