SportsBiz Africa

💬 “Developing an economy around sports in #Africa requires a qualified human resource capable of meeting the needs of the market and leading its growth. The SportsBiz Africa Forum’s masterclass program is a strategic response to this need for human resources.", says Gakwaya Christian, CEO of Rwanda Events Group Ltd. Our partnership with Rwanda Events Group allowed us to host this forum in Kigali (Rwanda), marking a significant step forward in the educational, sports, and professional landscape of #SportsManagement on the African continent, where we contributed our expertise in sports management, innovation, and leadership. 🔗 Learn more about this partnership and the Forum we held in Kigali on our website: https://lnkd.in/dsebphkW 📸 And check out the photos from the event here: https://lnkd.in/dtSaRirA ------ 💬 "Desarrollar una economía en torno al deporte en #África requiere unos recursos humanos cualificados capaces de satisfacer las necesidades del mercado y liderar su crecimiento. El programa de clases magistrales del Foro SportsBiz Africa es una respuesta estratégica a esta necesidad de recursos humanos.", dice Gakwaya Christian, Director General de Rwanda Events Group Ltd. La asicoación con Rwanda Events Group nos permitio llevar a cabo este foro en Rwanda, el qual marca un paso significativo en el avance del panorama educativo, deportivo y profesional de la gestión deportiva en el continente Africano, en el que aportamos nuestra experiencia en gestión deportiva, innovación y liderazgo. 🔗 Conoce más detalles sobre esta asociación y sobre el Foro que realizamos en Rwanda en nuestra web: https://lnkd.in/dy6NT4Zb 📸 También, te compartimos a continuación las fotos del evento: https://lnkd.in/dtSaRirA #EducatingLeaders #CruyffLegacy #SportsBizAfrica #Lidership #SportsIndustry #IndustriaDelDeporte

We are excited to announce the official launch of SBA Connect, a platform designed to bridge the gap between sports talent, professionals, and job opportunities across Africa. Whether you’re an athlete, a professional in the sports industry, or a recruiter seeking top talent, SBA Connect is here to help you discover new opportunities and connect with those ready to advance your career or team. Join us today at https://lnkd.in/eyWNt_Pf  #SBAConnect #SportsBizAfrica #FutureOfSports

We’re still buzzing from the success of the #SportsBizAfrica Forum! 🎉 The event brought together industry leaders to discuss the future of sports and business across Africa. From keynote speeches to masterclasses, here are some of the most memorable moments. Stay tuned for more event highlights over the coming weeks! #sportsbizafricaforum #sportsbizafrica #SBAconnect

When Sports in Africa Meet Business: 🏈🏀⚽️ It's more than just the game, it's a proven booming industry driving economic growth, talent empowerment, and global recognition. Last week, I attended the SportsBiz Africa Forum by Rwanda Events. It was an inspiring gathering of stakeholders in the sports industry, including legends like the iconic Zambian #KalushaBwalya. Events like these highlight how Sports & the Entertainment Industry in Africa are fast becoming the next big drivers of growth—fostering youth talent, creating the billion dollar economic opportunities, and uniting communities. Africa is positioned to lead in sports innovation, entertainment, and investment opportunities. Excited to have obtained a certificate in Revenue Generation in Sports Venues from the Johan Cruyff Institute. Thanks to Gakwaya Christian and his team for championing this initiative! #SportsBiz #AfricanTalent #SportsAndEntertainment #KalushaBwalya #RwandaEvents #SportsBusiness

A week ago, we wrapped up the inaugural edition of the @AfricaSportsbiz  Africa Forum, our annual flagship event focused on driving the growth of the sports economy and positioning sports as a thriving business sector and catalyst for sustainable development in Africa. We’re already looking forward to next year’s edition, which promises to be even bigger and more impactful. @RCBrwanda @bkarenarw @AfricaSportsbiz @mchezoafrica @qavenuesolution @african_managers @kefasports @_globalevents @CentrikaRw  @Forzzagaming @rwandasport

As we begin the final quarter of the year, I am reminded of a story shared at the SportsBiz Africa Forum that left us all in awe—one that holds a powerful lesson on leadership, resilience, and defying all odds. On Day 2, we had the rare privilege of being in the presence of Kalusha Bwalya—a Zambian football legend. For those of us who grew up in football households, his name carries weight. But for many, especially the Gen Z crowd, his story is far less known. And what a story it is. It was 1993. Kalusha, captain of the Zambian national football team, was playing for PSV Eindhoven in the Netherlands. The Zambian team, on their way to a crucial 1994 World Cup qualifier in Senegal, boarded a military flight. Kalusha, due to his commitments in Europe, planned to join his teammates directly. As he trained with his club, news broke—a plane crash. The entire Zambian national team had perished off the coast of Gabon. Kalusha, who had been just a flight away from joining them, lost his entire squad in the blink of an eye. Can you imagine? As a captain, a leader, hearing that your whole team—your brothers—are gone? How do you pick up the pieces when you’re left standing alone? Zambia mourned. The country buried their national heroes, and the President turned to Kalusha with a task that seemed impossible—rebuild the team. It was unthinkable. But Kalusha didn’t shrink from the responsibility. He accepted it. He took the pain, the weight of the tragedy, and began to form a new squad. The journey was far from easy. Months later, the new Zambian team found themselves in the final of the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations, facing a mighty Nigeria squad. They took the lead in the first half—a brief moment of glory—but Nigeria responded with two goals, crushing their hopes of victory. Zambia, however, returned home as national heroes. In the face of tragedy, they had stood tall. But that wasn’t the end. Fast forward to 2012. Nearly 20 years after that fateful crash, Zambia found themselves back in the AFCON final, this time facing a star-studded Côte d'Ivoire team, led by Didier Drogba. It was a David vs. Goliath battle. The game stretched into a tense penalty shootout, with the weight of history pressing down. Zambia’s final penalty—8-7 in a shootout—clinched the victory. In a moment heavy with emotion, Kalusha, then Zambian FA President, stood with the players, lifting the very cup he had once dreamed of holding as a player. What made this moment even more profound? They won just a few kilometers from the crash site where his teammates had perished. So, I ask you—what does it take to lead in the face of impossible odds? What kind of resolve allows a man to build again after such devastating loss? Kalusha’s story is not just about football; it’s about leadership, resilience, and believing in the impossible. As we step into the final quarter, let us remember—dreams are free, but the Hustle is sold different. Happy New Month. See you at the Top. #Leadership #RUN

I was pleased to share insights on esports and gaming investment in Africa last Friday at SportsBiz Africa in Kigali, Rwanda. We discussed how investing in esports is a great opportunity for game publishers who have an effective monetisation in Africa with great co-panelists Usher Komugisha, Teta Ndejuru and top-notch host Eugene Anangwe. We talked about the vibrant African esports scene and the upcoming Carry1st Africa Cup finals with the awesome Ronny Lusigi, Alex Ntale and Eugene Anangwe. Thank you Gakwaya Christian for the invite and Désiré Koussawo for the opportunity. Kudos to the SportsBiz Africa team for the organisation! I also had the pleasure to meet some football legends El Hadji Amadou Diop, Kalusha Bwalya and awesome professionals Rebecca Eliot, Will Mbiakop, Brian Wesaala, Daniel Noake, Sarah Solémalé, Kamilla Swart-Arries, Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai, James Torvaney (ACA), Matovu Jovin, Tshiamo Molefe, Ericks SHYAKA, Babigumira Paul Atwine, Ntoudi (2D) Mouyelo, Eric Didier Rutayisire. Having these great conversations, sharing ideas and discovering amazing Rwanda was a real blast!

Sports Conversation always leads to incredible results in developing sports in Africa. Last week, we were thrilled to be part of the SportsBiz Africa Forum 2024. Our MD Ntoudi (2D) Mouyelo discussed various initiatives Mchezo is implementing across Africa to create value across the African sports ecosystem. ⚽⛹️🏌️🏈🏀 #Mchezo #Africasportsbiz

I was honored to deliver masterclasses on Sustainability in Sport at SportsBiz Africa in Kigali last week. Impressive hosting by Rwanda Events Group Ltd, fruitful interactions with brilliant participants, admirable commitment by @Rwanda Government - Ministry of Sport, incredible stories, and an amazing country. All my gratitude to the Johan Cruyff Institute for embarking me on this adventure with a great team - Cristina Pales Edgar Romero-Jara, Ph.D. Marco Mazzi Jeroen van Iersel. Keep on sharing expertise on key topics for future leaders in the sport industry, education being at the top. CONGRATULATIONS on what I bet it has been the first of more meaningful editions to come.

🌍 Exciting to be back in Africa to honour the invitation of SportsBiz Africa in Kigali. On the occasion of its inaugural edition, I addressed the outcome of my research paper on African football diplomacy.💡 🙌🏾 Grateful to each and every person in Rwanda who collaborated with me to make this study a resounding success. It is so amazing to witness joint efforts to further collaborative initiatives on the continent.🕊️ (non-corporate content)