The second All-Africa Games were held in Lagos, Nigeria in January 1973.

Also the women's hurdles were changed from the 80 metre hurdles to the 100 metre hurdles as had happened across the world.

Five nations won medals for the first time these being Somalia, Algeria, Gambia, Togo and Swaziland while both Egypt and PR Congo won medals under new names.

Only one athlete defended his title from the 1965 Games, namely Malian discus thrower Namakoro Niaré.

Four track and field athletes, two male and two female, won more than one event: Several women's events was added.