Welcome to official page of the 2026 African Individual Debating and Public Speaking Championships!
The championship will take place online from February 20th to the 22nd of 2026. (9am to 5pm GMT Time). We aim to host an AIDPSC with talented and experienced judges from around the world. The championship will feature 2 rounds of debates, 2 rounds of impromptu speaking, 2 rounds of after-dinner speaking, 2 rounds of interpretative reading and 2 rounds of persuasive speaking. After that, the semi-finals and final round. Debaters/Speakers register individually but will be paired with a different debater in each round. This is the same debate format used by the WIDPSC.
General guidelines:
Contestants will work with a partner from a different school to propose and second, or oppose and second a motion/resolution. The motion will be presented to the teams 35 minutes before the start of the debate. Emphasis on judging will be on clash, spontaneity, logic, wit, content and teamwork. Specific guidelines:
• All motions are impromptu motions.
• Points of Information are permitted.
• Speakers are permitted to use notes/paper but are discouraged from reading.
SPEECH TIMES
A choice of two resolutions will be presented to the teams approximately 35 minutes before the start of the debate. One team, as designated, will choose the topic, while the other team will choose the side. Different resolutions will be issued for each round. Teams have 35 minutes to compose their own speeches. The length and order of speeches are as follows:
First Proposition: 6 mins
First Opposition: 6 mins
Second Prop: 9 mins
Second Opp: 9 mins
Third Opposition (reply speech): 3 mins
Third Proposition (reply speech): 3 mins
(First Opp/Prop speakers do the reply speeches. Therefore, First speakers speak twice and second speakers speak once. However, each speaker speaks for a total of 9 minutes)
We encourage you all new to this debate format to watch some WIDPSC Debate videos on YouTube to better understand the format.
Eligibility: All high school students from around the world.
Registration Deadline: February 1st, 2026
Participation Fee: 30USD, 10USD for ASDF members
(*ASDF members are national organisations that have paid their membership fees for 2026, please check our national directory page to see if your national organisation is an ASDF member)
AWARDS & CERTIFICATES
All participants will receive an e-certificate, the top 3 speakers will also receive a ASDF medal.
Tentative Schedule
Registration Form (speakers)
Convenor: Soufiane Choubani (Morocco) [WIDPSC 2022 Grand Finals Debate Judge]
If you have any questions, please send an email to: ADebateCouncil@gmail.com
African Schools Debate Foundation 