ABIDJAN (Cote d'Ivoire) - Initially scheduled to take place in Egypt, the FIBA Africa U18 Women's Championship has been shifted to Mali, FIBA Africa confirmed.

The 12-nation tournament will take place at  Palais des Sports Salamatou Maiga in Bamako from July 10-19.

It's the fourth time that Bamako hosts a major continental event in recent years, having organised the inaugural FIBA AfroCan last year, the Malian capital has also played as hosts of the FIBA Women's AfroBasket 2017, it was home to the FIBA African U18 Championship, and Bamako hosted the first round of Group B of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 African Qualifiers in February 2018.

As the three-time reigning champions, Mali have dominated the game in the continent of Africa. 

Mali have won four of the last six editions of the biennial tournament, having done so in Maputo (2018), Cairo (2016 and 2014) and Rades (2008).

The Malians have won a record seven titles with Democratic Republic of Congo winning twice and Egypt, Senegal, Angola and Tunisia winning once each dating back to 1985. 

The teams that finish top and second at the FIBA U18 Women's African Championship 2020 in Bamako will represent Africa at the 16-nation FIBA U19 Women's Championship 2021 in Hungary.

FIBA