PANEL | Africa's Gameplan: Building a Thriving Sports Industry

Amid the burgeoning success stories like the Basketball Africa League, Morocco’s joint bid to host the 2030 World Cup, the establishment of the CAF Champions League, and the highly anticipated return of Formula 1 to the continent, Africa’s sports industry is witnessing a boom like never before. Despite the global sports market’s impressive valuation of over $600 billion, with a steady growth rate of 5% annually, Africa’s sports sector is yet to fully capitalise on its vast potential, trailing behind other global regions. The continent faces challenges such as limited revenue streams, difficulty in attracting substantial investments, and a general hesitance from both public authorities and the private sector to commit to developing a premier sports industry. What models and strategies could be pivotal in transforming and professionalising Africa’s sports industry?

Key points:

– Subsidies, investments and legal frameworks: How can public authorities build an effective and sustainable economic model for sports ecosystems?

– Basketball Africa League, CAF Champions League, ‘Right to Dream’ academy: Enticing the private sector, investors and international players to African sports

– Subscriptions, ticketing, sponsorship, franchising and audiovisual rights: What are the winning recipes to make African sport dynamic and profitable?


MODERATOR
Julius BIZIMUNGU - Founder + Writer, Africa Finance Today

EXPERT
Will MBIAKOP - Executive Chairman, African Sports & Creative Institute (ASCI)

Clare AKAMANZI - CEO, NBA Africa

Selim BORA - Chairman, SUMMA

Kingsley PUNGONG - Founder & CEO, Rainbow World Group