Who We Are ?
ARFT is an independent professional body that maintains a register of qualified fitness trainers and accredited training providers in Africa.
We set standards for education, ethics and practice in personal training, group fitness and specialised coaching.Our History & Founders
The register was created by experienced fitness educators, coaches and academy owners who identified the need for a unified African system of recognition.
It was built to support both local markets and international mobility for African trainers.Governance & Advisory BoardExecutive Committee (President, Vice President, Secretary General).Technical & Education Committee (programme standards, curricula, exams).Ethics & Disciplinary Committee (complaints, sanctions, appeals).Partner Organisations & International LinksCollaboration with African and international exercise registers and accreditation bodies.Mutual recognition agreements and benchmarking with global standards where possible.3. Membership & RegistrationBecome a Registered Fitness Trainer
This section explains how a trainer can join ARFT, what documents are required and how the evaluation process works.
Typical requirements:
Recognized fitness qualification, proof of ID, CPR/First Aid, signed Code of Ethics, fees payment.
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Distinguished guests,
Colleagues and professionals in the field of fitness and sports,
It is my pleasure to address you today as Dr/ Mohamed Bekoulal, President of the African Register of Fitness Trainers (ARFT), to speak about the role of our leading professional organization in promoting the fitness sector across Africa.
The Role of the African Register in Fitness
The African Register of Fitness Trainers is a professional organization Founded in 2021 established to unify efforts in developing professional standards, accrediting competencies, and building a unified database of certified trainers across African countries.
We work to accredit training programs, organize professional examinations, and facilitate the mutual recognition of certifications between countries, thereby enhancing employment opportunities and professional mobility.
We also offer workshops, conferences, and continuing development programs focused on functional fitness, personal training, and motor rehabilitation, while taking into account African cultural and social needs.
Membership from the European College of Sports Science
In a historic move, the African Registry of Fitness Trainers (ARFT) has been granted prestigious membership in the European College of Sports Science (ECSS), one of the leading scientific institutions in Europe and the world in the field of sports and exercise science.
This membership recognizes the organization's scientific and professional standing and opens doors to international collaboration in research, knowledge sharing, and participation in global conferences.
As a result, our African trainers now have access to the latest international standards, enhancing their credibility and opening new avenues for partnerships with international organizations.
Our Vision
We aim to build a generation of qualified African professionals to lead the fitness sector towards healthier and more active societies through digitalization, geographic expansion, and strategic partnerships.
I invite everyone—ministries of sports, universities, and training institutions—to collaborate with us to build a strong professional future in Africa.
Thank you for listening, and peace be upon you.
Dr/ Mohamed Bekoulal
President of the African Register of Fitness Trainers (ARFT)
