Overall the games were a success, with hosts South Africa outdistancing Nigeria and Egypt in the medals race.

Women's field hockey was demoted to a non-medal event after the Nigerian team dropped out of the tournament.

A melee at the finish of the basketball game between Angola and Egypt forced police to escort the Egyptian team from the court.

Assefa Mezgebu of Ethiopia won the men's 10000 m. Cameroon beat Zambia 4-3 on penalty kicks to win the football finale.

[1] *   Host nation (South Africa)See Athletics at the 1999 All-Africa Games Maria de Lurdes Mutola of Mozambique won her third 800 metres title in a row.