Pan African Universities Debating Championship

The **Pan African Universities Debating Championship (PAUDC)** is the largest intervarsity debating tournament on the African continent. It brings together university debaters from across Africa for an annual championship hosted by a different African university each year, using the British Parliamentary (BP) debate format and including both an open category and an ESL/EFL component. The event typically runs over several days and features preliminary rounds, elimination rounds, and a grand final, along with workshops and adjudicator training. PAUDC is designed for **university students**, not high schoolers, although some exceptionally advanced secondary students sometimes engage with university debate societies informally. Participants build advanced skills in critical thinking, public speaking, policy analysis, and argumentation on issues ranging from governance and development to human rights and technology. The championship also promotes continental networking, intercultural exchange, and leadership among young Africans interested in advocacy, law, public policy, and international relations.