INNOVATION IN PRIVATE CAPITAL FINANCING: BRIDGING AFRICA’S SPORTS INFRASTRUCTURE DEFICIT

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INNOVATION IN PRIVATE CAPITAL FINANCING: BRIDGING AFRICA’S SPORTS INFRASTRUCTURE DEFICIT
INNOVATION IN PRIVATE CAPITAL FINANCING: BRIDGING AFRICA’S SPORTS INFRASTRUCTURE DEFICIT

The increasing recognition of sports as a catalyst for socio-economic growth has led to a surge in investment in state-of-the-art multipurpose sports facilities and the modernization of existing ones.

Quality sports facilities not only serve as symbols of national pride but also provide opportunities to spur talent development. They have the potential to transform a country or region into a major sports tourism destination through hosting mega sports events.

Additionally, modern facilities have become essential for unlocking the commercial viability of the entire sports industry value chain. They open avenues for maximizing revenue across various commercial touchpoints, including sponsorship, ticketing, broadcast, merchandise, and hospitality, while also enhancing the overall fan experiences.

However, in Africa, as in many other developing economies, these benefits have yet to be fully realized. Sports infrastructure remains inadequate and poorly maintained due to lack of funding.

Governments often struggle to allocate resources due to budget constraints, typically prioritizing essential sectors like healthcare and education.

This has presented an opportunity for greater private sector involvement in addressing the widening gap in sports infrastructure. Innovative financing instruments, such as Infrastructure Asset Backed Securities (IABS) and public-private partnerships, are being explored to mobilize private and global capital rather than placing the financial burden on taxpayers through public debt.

Discussion topics

  • State of sports infrastructure across Africa: challenges and opportunities
  • Innovative & sustainable financing models for developing sports infrastructure in Africa
  • Pivotal role of private capital investment in bridging African sports infrastructure gaps
  • Case studies of successful private financing for sports infrastructure in Africa
  • Policy frameworks and strategies to enhance investor confidence in African sports infrastructure
  • Impact of improved sports infrastructure on local economies and youth empowerment
  • Trends in design, construction, operation, and maintenance of multi-purpose sports facilities and strategies for maximizing usage and impact