There has been considerable effort by the international federation to increase competitivity in the continent through special development actions.

It also takes part in the organization of qualification tournaments for major events such as the Olympic Games or the men's and women's world championships, and of international competitions hosted by one of its affiliated federations.

As of 2024[update], no African team has ever been able to obtain impressive results in international competitions, neither in women's nor in men's events.

It could be argued that Egypt has some tradition in the sport, since it is the oldest of all the national federations affiliated to the CAVB.

Judging from participation in international events, which is usually granted through continental qualification procedures, one may attribute predominance on the continent to the teams of Egypt and Tunisia in men's volleyball and Kenya, Egypt, and Tunisia in women's volleyball.