In the heart of the Namibian savannah, amidst acacia trees and under the curious gaze of giraffes, a short film paddle has just been completed. This exceptional project, carried out in an isolated nature reserve, illustrates in its own way the rapid expansion of this sport throughout the world, far beyond the European borders where it was still confined a decade ago.

An unusual project in the heart of nature

The installation of a padel court in Namibia is a first for the region: not in a city, nor an urban sports complex, but on a court surrounded by wild landscapes. And these are neither Marc Saucles, the CEO ofConstruction Universe, neither Arthur Maronne, the one laying the tracks who will say the opposite!

The technical constraints were commensurate with the logistical challenge: transporting materials on unpaved tracks, adapting structures to extreme climatic conditions and harmoniously integrating them into a sensitive natural environment.

This type of infrastructure, long reserved for urban centers and private clubs, demonstrates the creativity of market players in offering padel in increasingly unexpected contexts.

When padel meets the savannah: a court in Namibia that becomes a paradise for giraffes!
When padel meets the savannah: a court in Namibia that becomes a paradise for giraffes!
When padel meets the savannah: a court in Namibia that becomes a paradise for giraffes!
When padel meets the savannah: a court in Namibia that becomes a paradise for giraffes!
When padel meets the savannah: a court in Namibia that becomes a paradise for giraffes!
When padel meets the savannah: a court in Namibia that becomes a paradise for giraffes!
When padel meets the savannah: a court in Namibia that becomes a paradise for giraffes!
When padel meets the savannah: a court in Namibia that becomes a paradise for giraffes!
When padel meets the savannah: a court in Namibia that becomes a paradise for giraffes!

Unprecedented global growth

The rise of this sport is not limited to isolated projects: the Padel is today one of the most dynamic sports sectors in the world.. According Global Padel Report 2025The number of clubs worldwide has increased by 26%, with more than 7,000 new courts recently built, a pace that places padel among the fastest growing sports internationally.

Other analyses suggest that more than 50,000 courts exist today across the globe, with projections reaching nearly 70,000 by 2026, a sign that development shows no signs of slowing down.

This phenomenon can be explained by several factors: accessibility of the game, structure favorable to doubles, rapid learning curve and strong social dimension which attracts players of all ages and levels.

Africa, a continent awakening

While Europe, South America, and the Middle East remain historical centers of padel, Africa is beginning to chart its own growth trajectoryCourt construction projects are underway in Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and especially in South Africa, where several facilities have recently been opened or planned, particularly in cities like Johannesburg and Cape Town.

In several North African countries such as the MoroccoPadel is also developing at a rapid pace, with a growing number of clubs and local events helping to popularize the sport among new generations of players.

This movement is part of a broader context: some analyses note a significant increase in the number of clubs on the African continent, even if it remains low compared to other regions. (Article from 2018…)

The development of Padel in Africa

A sport in motion, even in the most unexpected places.

The installation of the Namibian court, surrounded by wildlife and majestic landscapes, illustrates padel's ability to adapt to a wide variety of environments—urban or natural. This phenomenon is accompanied by a growing interest in unusual locations, whether in seaside resorts, hotel complexes, or now, in the heart of nature.

With a sport that is attracting more and more players worldwide and innovative projects that are pushing geographical and technical boundaries, padel is confirming its status as a sport undergoing a revolution. A revolution that, clearly, has not finished surprising us.

Franck Binisti

Franck Binisti discovered padel at the Club des Pyramides in 2009 in the Paris region. Since then, padel has been part of his life. You often see him touring France to cover major French padel events.

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