At the 2024 SportsBiz Africa Forum in Kigali, fans witnessed unforgettable moments, including a selfie taken by a young participant with African football legends Kalusha Bwalya of Zambia and Senegal’s El Hadji Diouf.
That image captured the spirit of an event that not only showcased Africa’s sporting icons but also positioned the Forum as a premier annual platform shaping the future of sports and development on the continent.
With its cast of global industry leaders and the depth of dialogue it inspired, last year’s inaugural edition highlighted both the promise and the challenges within Africa’s sports ecosystem. While there are positive trends driving growth, the sector continues to grapple with persistent barriers from governance issues to infrastructure gaps and limited access to finance.
A 2025 African Sports Market Trends Report reveals optimism, projecting annual industry growth between 5–10 percent. Digital transformation is cited as a key growth driver, with over 50 percent of respondents pointing to innovations in streaming, fan engagement, and data analytics. Yet, challenges remain: governance shortcomings, market instability, and inadequate data continue to limit investment opportunities. Over 64 percent of surveyed professionals stressed the urgent need for grassroots investment and governance reform to strengthen the sector.
The Forum therefore offers more than a discussion space, it is a vital platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and actionable solutions.
SBA 2025: Building on the Momentum
The 2025 SportsBiz Africa Forum, scheduled for September 9–10 in Kigali, Rwanda, will carry forward this mission under the theme of sports as a driver for sustainable socio-economic development. While sports bring entertainment and profit, the Forum emphasizes their broader impact, job creation, youth empowerment, and community growth.
Among the key highlights:
The Policymakers Roundtable, convening African ministers, policymakers, and business leaders to address barriers to investment and align with the AU’s Agenda 2063.
The SBA Online Education Programme, delivered in partnership with the internationally renowned Johan Cruyff Institute, offers young African professionals training in strategic management, sports marketing, and financial management to prepare them for leadership roles.
Dr. Decius Hikabwa Chipande, Coordinator and Head of the African Union Sports Council (AUSC), has been a strong voice at the Forum. He underscored that sustainable development depends on quality businesses and professional competence that directly impact livelihoods.
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