FECADE President Banlock Looks to Kenya’s Chess Success for Inspiration

By Angu Lesley

Football Writer,kick442.com-Cameroon

Cameroonian chess is entering a new era, and FECADE President Benjamin Didier Banlock is wasting no time in laying the foundations for long-term growth.

Just weeks after overseeing a successful start to the national chess season in Yaoundé, Banlock has travelled to Kenya for a five-day working mission aimed at learning from one of Africa’s most successful chess ecosystems. Hosted by Chess Kenya President Benard Wanjala, the visit focuses on exploring strategies that have transformed Kenya into a continental model for chess development.

Kenya’s achievements are particularly remarkable at grassroots level, where thousands of schoolchildren are actively engaged in the game each week. The country has also become a reference point for inclusive chess programmes, creating opportunities for young players and persons with disabilities to compete and excel.

Just weeks after overseeing a successful start to the national chess season in Yaoundé, Banlock has travelled to Kenya for a five-day working mission aimed at learning from one of Africa’s most successful chess ecosystems.

For Banlock, the trip is part of a broader ambition to elevate Cameroon’s presence on the African and global chess scene. His visit coincided with the prestigious Quo Vadis Nyeri Chess Open 2026, a FIDE-rated event that gathers some of Kenya’s strongest players and offers a platform for learning, networking and collaboration.

The Nairobi mission follows closely on the heels of another important international engagement in Russia, where FECADE secured a technical cooperation agreement with Moscow’s chess authorities. Together, these initiatives reflect a clear strategy centred on partnerships, knowledge exchange and institutional growth.

Only two months into his mandate, Banlock and his executive team have already injected fresh energy into Cameroonian chess. From strengthening international ties to promoting local competitions, the federation appears determined to build a stronger future for the sport.

As FECADE continues to draw lessons from some of the world’s most successful chess communities, many within the chess fraternity believe Cameroon could be positioning itself for a significant rise in the years ahead.