The athletics competition at the All-Africa University Games has featured at all editions since the first in 1975. It was set for a tenth edition in 2020, but this was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[1] The competition has an upper age limit of 25 years and only formal university students may compete.[2]
The competition began with two events in the 1970s before having a relaunch in 2004. A reduced programme of only men's events were held during the 2004 edition.[3]