HARNESSING THE ECONOMIC POWER OF SPORTS IN AFRICA

Kigali, Rwanda – The inaugural SportsBiz Africa Forum, set to take place from September 26th to 28th, 2024, in Kigali. Under the theme “Nexus between Sports and Business towards Africa’s Development,” this groundbreaking forum aims to explore the transformative economic potential of sports across the continent.

Exploring the Future of Sports in Africa

The SportsBiz Africa Forum will delve into current trends in the sports industry, investment opportunities, and the role of sports in fostering sustainable development. This forum is poised to become a premier platform, bringing together sports sector personalities, influencers, policymakers, professionals, managers, and business investors. Participants will engage in discussions, develop strategies, conduct research, offer training, and host sessions focused on off-field programs and activities that facilitate profitable sports events.

Key Objectives and Vision

The SportsBiz Africa Forum is designed to:

Attract New Investments: By showcasing Africa’s sports potential, the forum aims to attract new investments annually, creating a prime venue for the best sports business deals on the continent.

Highlight Market Options: The forum will assess the sports industry in Africa, highlighting opportunities for profitable marketing, including sports tourism and technology integration.

Foster Collaboration: Networking sessions and masterclasses will promote collaboration among stakeholders, driving innovation and skill development within the sports industry.

Change Global Perceptions: By leveraging sports for socioeconomic and sustainable development, the forum aims to change global perceptions about Africa.

Policy Alignment


The SportsBiz Africa Forum aligns its goals with several key policy frameworks:

A. The UN Sustainable Development Goals for 2030 The forum will contribute effectively to Goal No. 8, which promotes sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.

B. AU Agenda 2063 The forum aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063’s aspiration for a prosperous Africa, based on inclusive growth and sustainable development. The forum aims to promote a high standard of living, quality of life, and wellbeing for all citizens through income generation, job creation, and decent work. It will contribute to continental economic transformation through economic diversification and resilience, and to the development of the hospitality and tourism industries.

C. African Union Policy for the Sustainable Development of Sport in Africa The forum supports the AU’s Policy Framework for the Sustainable Development of Sport in Africa, which aims to promote participation, build capacity, and enhance the excellence of African athletes. It will focus on:

  • An Active Africa: Sustaining inclusive health and wellbeing through access to mass participation in physical activity, sport, and recreation.
  • A Winning Africa: Creating effective high-performance sports systems for international success.
  • A Sustainable Africa: Using sport and recreation as tools for socioeconomic development.
  • A United Africa: Stimulating social cohesion and African Renaissance through sport.
  • An Innovative Africa: Providing creative supporting systems to achieve these targets.

D. Rwanda Vision 2050 The forum aims to contribute to Rwanda’s Vision 2050, specifically the Competitiveness and Integration pillar, by boosting Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Events (MICE) revenues. It will strategically target events beyond conference tourism, increase the number of events hosted in Rwanda, and develop the necessary skills for the MICE industry.

E. Rwanda National Sports Development Policy (2020-2030) The forum intends to support Rwanda’s 2020-2030 Sports Development Policy by promoting Rwanda as a hub of sporting activities and creating opportunities for economic investment through hosting international sporting events and exporting sports talents.

For more information about the SportsBiz Africa Forum:

Please contact: 

  • Email: info@sportsbiz.africa
  • Phone: +250 785 800 000

Join us in Kigali this September as we explore the powerful nexus between sports and business and chart a course for Africa’s economic future.

Media Contact:
Yannick Lionnel OLIMBO DIOUF
olimbo@sportsbiz.africa