Under clear skies and across the sandy plains of Cameroon’s Far North Region, the city of Maroua transformed into a regional hub of African equestrian prestige on June 13 and 14, 2025. The newly renovated Lamido Yaya Dairou Stadium served as the venue for the inaugural edition of the Paul Biya Grand Prix, a high-profile equestrian competition.
Held under the patronage of the President of the Republic and presided over by Minister of Sports and Physical Education, Professor Narcisse Mouelle Kombi, the event attracted wide regional and international participation.
A Continental Showcase of Horse Racing
Initiated by the Cameroonian Equestrian Sports Federation (FECASE), the competition brought together over 150 horses and riders from Cameroon, Chad, Nigeria, Niger, and Burkina Faso. The event featured a series of high-speed and skill-based races, highlighting strength, agility, and equestrian tradition.
Each participating nation also fielded riders and horses who competed in national colours, drawing strong support from the thousands in attendance.
Sahelian Heritage on Display
More than a sporting event, the Grand Prix highlighted the deep cultural significance of horses in the Sahel. In this region, the horse is not merely a means of transport or sport—it symbolizes bravery, nobility, and cultural identity. It evokes memories of traditional kingdoms and continues to play a role in the heritage of local chiefdoms.
For the Paul Biya Grand Prix, organisers aimed to blend this rich cultural backdrop with a modern vision of sports excellence. Naming the event after long-serving President of the Republic, Paul Biya, the organisers further expressed recognition for his continued support of national unity and sporting development.
“This Grand Prix of excellence is not just a horse race. It is a call to the youth of the North to aim higher, to take ownership of their roots while embracing international competition,” said Prof. Narcisse Mouelle Kombi during the opening ceremony.
Maroua’s Economy and Community Energized
Meanwhile, the event generated significant economic activity in Maroua. Hotels reached full capacity, restaurants expanded their offerings, and local artisans displayed traditional crafts to the influx of visitors.
Markets and public spaces bustled with merchants, sports enthusiasts, and cultural performers. Traditional rhythms from balafons and drums also filled the stadium, as various languages and ethnic groups came together in a shared celebration of regional identity.
Towards a Pan-African Tradition
Organisers have also expressed their intent to make the Paul Biya Grand Prix an annual international equestrian event. The vision is to establish it as a pan-African hub for horse racing and potentially as a platform for African riders to compete on the global stage.
For Cameroon, however, the initiative reflects an ambition to use sport as a tool for diplomacy, local development, and cultural promotion.
Looking ahead, FECASE, with backing from the Ministry of Sports, aims to expand equestrian training for young riders, upgrade equestrian infrastructure, and increase the visibility of horse sports, particularly in regions where the discipline remains under-represented.
