Agenda

Industry leaders will delve into the current landscape of the sports sector across Africa. Highlighting emerging trends, economic impacts, and growth opportunities, the presentation will offer a comprehensive overview of how African nations are capitalizing on sports for development and regional integration. The speaker will address challenges such as infrastructure limitations, funding gaps, and governance issues while showcasing success stories and innovative solutions. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the strategies shaping the future of African sports and learn how to leverage these trends for sustainable growth and global competitiveness.

This session will highlight the current status of the industry in the persepective of talent development, pinpointing at the many and various gaps in the development chain; and explore strategies for identifying and cultivating athletic potential across Africa. Experts will discuss effective talent development programs, from grassroots initiatives to elite training systems, and how to transform raw potential into professional success. Key topics include creating supportive ecosystems, leveraging technology, and establishing partnerships between sports organizations, governments, and businesses. Attendees will gain practical insights into nurturing emerging athletes and commercializing their talents, maximizing economic impact and ensuring sustainable career paths within Africa’s dynamic sports industry.

This session will focus on leveraging sports tourism as a tool for national branding and economic growth. Experts will examine how countries can use major sporting events and facilities to attract international visitors, boost local economies, and enhance global visibility. Key discussions will include case studies of successful sports tourism strategies, the role of infrastructure and hospitality, and the impact of sports on cultural exchange. Attendees will gain insights into effective marketing approaches, strategies for creating compelling sports tourism experiences, and how to align these efforts with broader national and regional development goals.

This session will delve into the evolving landscape of sports management in Africa, addressing the need for innovative approaches to enhance efficiency and effectiveness with the perspective of veiwing the industry as a business venture. Experts will explore modern management practices, from organizational structures to strategic planning, and how they can be tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities within the continent. Discussions will include integrating technology, improving governance, and fostering collaboration between stakeholders. Attendees will gain valuable insights into rethinking traditional sports management models to drive growth, increase competitiveness, and achieve sustainable success in Africa's dynamic sports sector.

This session will critically examine the role of sports infrastructure in Africa, evaluating whether it represents an essential investment or a potential national burden. Experts will discuss the impact of sports facilities on local economies, community health, and international visibility. Topics will include the financial implications of building and maintaining infrastructure, the balance between public and private investment, and case studies of successful and challenging projects. Attendees will gain insights into how to effectively allocate resources, ensure long-term sustainability, and maximize the benefits of sports infrastructure for national development and regional cohesion.

This session will highlight success stories in sports and their impact on communities, focusing on how sports initiatives can foster positive change and give back to society. Experts will share inspiring examples of athletes, organizations, and programs that have made significant contributions to local communities through outreach, charity, and development projects. Discussions will cover the measurable benefits of these initiatives, including social and economic improvements, and explore strategies for replicating such successes. Attendees will gain practical insights into leveraging sports for community development, understanding its broader impact, and enhancing efforts to create lasting, meaningful change.

Investing in Sports in Africa explores the vast potential and opportunities of sports investment across the African continent. This session brings together leading sports executives, business owners, and investors to discuss Africa's rich talent pool, growing consumer market, and the critical need for infrastructure development. Topics include government support, media rights, professional league development, and the role of sports in social and economic growth. The session highlights how strategic investment can unlock Africa's sports market, drive innovation, and empower communities, making it an emerging destination for global sports business.

The discussion explores the rise of sports betting and its impact on society. It delves into the booming global betting industry, driven by technology and expanding legalization, which has created economic opportunities and enhanced fan engagement. On the other hand, it examines the negative consequences, such as addiction, financial ruin, and potential threats to sports integrity. Experts, policymakers, and stakeholders debate whether sports betting is a profitable industry benefiting economies or a harmful social force that exploits vulnerable individuals, raising critical questions about regulation and responsibility.

The discussion explores how sports can be a powerful tool for sustainable development in Africa, addressing social, economic, and environmental challenges. It highlights the role of sports in promoting education, health, and social cohesion, particularly in marginalized communities. By creating jobs, driving tourism, and fostering local businesses, sports can contribute to economic growth. Additionally, sustainable sports infrastructure and eco-friendly practices are examined in the context of environmental conservation. The session will emphasize how integrating sports into development strategies can empower youth, promote equality, and contribute to the continent’s broader sustainable development goals.

The session explores how media and innovations are transforming the sports industry, reshaping fan engagement, and driving growth. It focuses on the role of digital platforms, streaming services, and social media in providing real-time access to sports events and connecting global audiences. Innovations such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), data analytics, and wearable technology are enhancing the fan experience and improving athlete performance. The discussion also covers how media rights, sponsorships, and advertising are evolving with new technologies. Experts will examine how these innovations are revolutionizing sports consumption, increasing revenue streams, and creating new opportunities in the sports industry.

The session focuses on Africa’s emerging position in the rapidly growing world of esports, VAR (video assistant referee) technology, and robotic games. It highlights the continent's potential to become a key player in the global esports market, with a growing youthful population, increasing internet penetration, and rising interest in competitive gaming. The session also explores the adoption of VAR in African sports, enhancing fairness and accuracy in refereeing, and the future role of robotic games in sports innovation. Experts will discuss the challenges of infrastructure, investment, and skills development, as well as the opportunities for Africa to harness these technologies for economic and social growth.

(2 hour session with a 10' break from 14h30 to 14h40)

(2 hour session with a 10' break from 16h45 to 16h55)

(2 hour session with a 10' break from 10h00 to 10h10)

(2 hour session with a 10' break from 15h00 to 15h10)