In June 1986, the Badminton Confederation of Africa held a press conference to discuss the host for the next tournament. Zambia was then chosen to host the next championships in 1986.[2] However, Zambia then postponed and later withdrew from hosting the event due to economic recession. Mozambique then bid to host the event but was unsuccessful. In 1988, Nigeria were selected to host the event. The event was sponsored by African Petroleum Ltd. with a budget of ₦100,000.[2][3]
The participating teams were soon reduced from five teams to three teams, which were Nigeria, Tanzania and Mauritius. Ghana only sent their women's singles ace, Nelly Akainyah to compete in the championships. Benin and Togo sent observers to the tournament.[4][5]
The Nigerian team dominated the championships, winning gold in every discipline. Tanzania won four silvers in the team events and a silver in the individual event, which came from men's doubles. Debutants Mauritius won a silver medal in mixed doubles.[6][7][8][9]
