The second All-Africa Games were held in Lagos, Nigeria in January 1973. Ten new events were added, three for the men, 10,000 metres, marathon and hammer throw and seven for the women, 200 metres, 400 metres, 800 metres, 1500 metres, shot put, discus throw and 4 × 400 metres relay. 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. These were 200 metres, 400 metres, 800 metres, 1500 metres, discus throw, shot put and 4 × 400 metres relay.

Medal summary

Men's events

Women's events

Medal table