The Sports Africa Investment Summit 2025, held in Lagos, brought together a coalition of government leaders, investors, development institutions, and sports industry stakeholders to discuss the transformation of Africa’s sports economy. The two-day event, hosted by Sport Nigeria Ltd/Gte in partnership with the Office of the Presidency and the National Sports Commission, focused on unlocking sports as a driver of economic growth, job creation, and industrial development across Africa.
A Historic Milestone: Africa’s First Sports Special Economic Zone (SSEZ)
One of the summit’s major highlights was the signing of a technical agreement between the Abia State Government and Sport Nigeria Ltd/Gte to establish Africa’s first-ever Sports Special Economic Zone (SSEZ).
This initiative will:
- Transform Abia State into a global hub for sports goods manufacturing
- Leverage Aba’s craftsmanship and industrial excellence to boost production
- Align with Nigeria’s Industrial Revolution Plan (NIRP) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)
- Generate thousands of jobs and empower local businesses
Leaders Speak on the Impact of the SSEZ
Hon. Nwaobilor Ananaba, Commissioner for Sports, Abia State, emphasized the significance of the initiative.
“The Special Sports Economic Zone is a game-changer for Abia State and Nigeria at large. Under the visionary leadership of His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti, we are committed to transforming Abia into the premier hub for sports goods manufacturing.”
Chinedum Chijioke, Chair of the Abia State Investment Office, highlighted the broader economic impact.
“This agreement marks the beginning of a transformative journey to attract global investments and create an ecosystem where sports, commerce, and industry thrive together.”
Spaces 4 Sports: Addressing Africa’s Sports Infrastructure Deficit
The summit also marked the launch of Spaces 4 Sports, Sport Nigeria’s flagship initiative aimed at closing Africa’s sports infrastructure gap at the grassroots level.
This model will:
- Develop community sports hubs across Africa
- Increase mass sports participation by 50 percent
- Integrate sports into education, health, and gender inclusivity programs
- Support Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Africa Union Agenda 2063
A Call for Investment: The Future of African Sports is Now
Nkechi Obi, CEO of Sport Nigeria Ltd, reinforced the urgency of action.
“Sports is more than entertainment. It is an industry, a business, and a force for economic transformation. The Sports Special Economic Zone in Abia is only the beginning.”
With sports as a multi-billion-dollar global industry, Africa has the youth, talent, and market demand to position itself as a global player.
Yahaya Maikori, Vice Chairman of Sport Nigeria, issued a direct challenge to stakeholders.
“We do not need more talk. We need action. This SSEZ is our action plan. The world is watching, and investors are ready. Now is the time.”
With strategic investment in sports infrastructure, Africa can create jobs, boost tourism, and elevate its global sporting competitiveness.
The Call to Action: Invest in Africa’s Sports Economy
Investors, DFIs, and Africa-focused development organizations must step forward now.
Build the infrastructure. Empower the youth. Transform communities.
Africa’s sports economy is ready to take off.
