Game Time Africa

Rabat-Morocco

15 – 16 January 2026

Menu
APPLY
Game Time brings together Africa Sports Business CEOs, investors, world leaders
To LEARN, CONNECT, INVEST.
Over 2 days of panels, pitches in the deal rooms and celebration during the Sports Business Awards Ceremony.
15 – 16 JANUARY 2026 | RABAT, MOROCCO
BY INVITATION ONLY
Join Us!

"WHERE AFRICA SPORTS BUSINESS MAKE DEALS HAPPEN"

Game Time brings together Africa Sports Business CEOs, investors, world leaders
To LEARN, CONNECT, INVEST.
Over 2 days of panels, pitches in the deal rooms and celebration during the Sports Business Awards Ceremony.
15 – 16 JANUARY 2026 | RABAT, MOROCCO
BY INVITATION ONLY
Join Us!

"WHERE AFRICA SPORTS BUSINESS MAKE DEALS HAPPEN"

Game Time brings together Africa Sports Business CEOs, investors, world leaders
To LEARN, CONNECT, INVEST.
Over 2 days of panels, pitches in the deal rooms and celebration during the Sports Business Awards Ceremony.
15 – 16 JANUARY 2026 | RABAT, MOROCCO
BY INVITATION ONLY
Join Us!

"WHERE AFRICA SPORTS BUSINESS MAKE DEALS HAPPEN"

Under the Baobab
Where Sport Entrepreneurs Meet Capital and Possibility
An exclusive pitch platform connecting Africa’s most promising sport ventures
with African and international investors ready to take them to the next level.
EXPLORE FULL AGENDA
Celebrating Excellence Across Africa’s Sport Business Landscape
Join our exclusive award ceremony where we honor pioneers, trailblazers, and game-changers shaping the future of African sports industry.
APPLY TO BE NOMINEE
Sponsor the Summit Powering Africa’s Sport Business Future
Unlock strategic partnerships with power players, investment opportunities, and global visibility in Africa leading sport business gathering.
BECOME A SPONSOR
AFRICA’S MOST INFLUENTIAL SPORT BUSINESS PLATFORM
Where brands, rights holders, and C-suite leaders come together to drive growth, innovation, and impact.
BECOME A SPONSOR
Africa Game Time Summit
Logo 1
Logo 2
Logo 3
Logo 3
Logo 3
Logo 3
Logo 3

SUMMIT STARTS IN

  • 00Days
  • 00Hours
  • 00Minutes
  • 00Seconds

ABOUT THIS EVENT

Driving Innovation and Growth in Africa’s Sports Industry

Be part of the movement driving Africa’s sports industry to new heights

The Game Time Africa Summit is the pan-African sports business summit that brings together leaders from public and private sectors, investors, innovators and athlete-investors for two packed days of networking, knowledge-sharing, and deal-making.

Held on January 15-16, 2026, in Rabat, Morocco, during the African Cup of Nations, this event offers a unique opportunity to engage with the continent’s sports ecosystem at a moment.

Horizontal Balls with Text
200 C-SUITE DELEGATES
50 WORLD CLASS SPEAKERS
40 COUNTRIES REPRESENTED

BY INVITATION ONLY
APPLY NOW

WHY JOIN US?

Unlock Opportunities, Build Connections, and Shape the Future of African Sports industry

Styled Sections
LEARN
Exclusive Panels! Gain unique Insights from industry experts and renowned leaders. Workshops and co-creation sessions: collaborate on innovative solutions to elevate the ecosystem
CONNECT
The most influential gathering in Africa sports industry! Connect with sports industry C-suites from Africa, the diaspora and world sports leaders.
CELEBRATE
Sports Business Awards Gala Night! Fan engagement, events, investment, CEO of the year to name a few! Celebrate the Business performance of African sports industry. We will reward the best in the game!
INVEST
Under the Baobab! As per the African heritage, 50 entrepreneurs (vetted pipeline companies featuring 3-year audited financials) meet 10 investors to showcase their business ventures, pitch and clinch deals. It is Game Time!
Explore Full Agenda

Who is joining the Africa Game Summit

Bringing Together the Visionaries, Leaders, and Game-Changers of African Sports Industry

Sports Business

Right-holders, teams, leagues, athletes’ brands, marketing & events agencies, media networks & OTT, fan engagement specialists, merchandising and retailers, Gaming studios, Esport squad: the key players in the sports value chain!

Why Attend

  • Stay ahead of industry trends and benchmark your competition
  • Access funding and business opportunities “under the Baobab” deal room.
  • Extend your network and meet with key decision-makers.

Sports Entrepreneurs Summit

Services Providers

Services Providers include financial services organisations, legal practices, consulting & advisory firms, infrastructure developers, venue management, logistics companies, content producers and Entertainment companies, etc.

Why Attend

  • Get a better understanding of your sports industry clients.
  • Access funding through the “Under the Baobab” deal room and clinch partnership opportunities.
  • Extend your network and meet with key decision-makers.
Sports Entrepreneurs Summit

Investors

This includes both Private & Public organisations: family offices, VC, impact investors, PE, investment banks, development finance institution (DFI), sovereign funds, athlete-investors, player unions, etc. Africa Game Time is the ultimate gateway into the continent’s booming sports economy.

Why Attend

  • Discover vetted pipeline companies and connect with high-growth potential sports ventures in the “under the baobab” deal room
  • Gain insights into market trends and revenue models.
  • Meet co-investors, DFIs, and dealmakers in the sports industry.
Sports Entrepreneurs Summit

Sponsors – Brand Leaders

The sponsorship powerhouses’ representatives include telecom, F&B, fintech, apparel, FMCG. The Game Time Africa Summit will also bring new sponsorship categories. This is where fan engagement turns into brand growth.

Why Attend

  • Secure high-impact sponsorship opportunities, activations, new markets, and authentic stories to align your brand with.
  • Align your brand with Africa’s top sports leagues, events, and athletes.
  • Connect with content creators, media platforms, and marketing agencies.
Sports Entrepreneurs Summit

Meet the Movers and Shakers

Trailblazers Redefining Africa’s Sports Landscape

1
Fouzi Lekjaa
Minister of Budget – President of Royal Moroccan Football Federation
Will-Mbiakop
Will Mbiakop
ASCI Executive Chairman
Marc Lasry_1235_RT
Marc Lasry
Avenue Capital Co-Founder, Chairman & CEO
Remy Rioux
AFD Group CEO
Tresor-Penku
Mr Tresor Penku
LALIGA Africa Managing Director
Yasser Shaker
Yasser Shaker
Executive Vice President, CEO of Orange Middle East and Africa
3
Clare Akamanzi
NBA Africa CEO
david-mignot
David Mignot
Canal+ Africa CEO
Khalid Safir
Mr. Khalid Safir
Chief Executive Officer of the Caisse de Dépôt et de Gestion (CDG) Morocco
Cyril Gane
Cyril Gane
MMA Star and Lori6Ventures President
Amina-Lanaya
Amina Lanaya
UCI Director General Tchamba
REPORTAJE A RONNY TURIAF EN MARCA SPORT WEEKEND MALAGA 2024
Ronny Turiaf
NBA Champion, Investor, EVP Strategy Owner Sporting Club Escaldes
Ibrahim-Sagna
Ibrahim Sagna
Silverbacks Holdings Executive Chairman
6
Dr Yasmine Alaoui
Principal, Gratiya Africa
Abdou-Diop
Abdou Diop
Forvis Mazars Managing Director
Desire-koussawo
Desire Koussawo
SAGES Africa Founder and CEO
7
Mouad Hajji
World Cup 2030 Lead
Osi Umenyiora
Osi Umenyiora
2-time Superbowl Champion & NFL Ambassador
4
Paulo Gomes
Orango Investment Founder & CEO
68b21519e112c517ded776ae_Rene awambeng (35)-p-800
Rene Awambeng
Founder and Managing Partner of Premier Invest
Adama Gueye
Adama Gueye
Orange Ventures , Head of Investment for Africa

OUR PARTNERS

Showcase Your Brand, and Drive the Growth of Africa’s Thriving Sports Ecosystem

Logo 1 Logo 1

Logo 1
Logo 1





















Logo 1




































































Logo 1






















Logo 1
Logo 2




















Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter to receive updates on our event, latest news, promotions and discounts direct to your inbox.

    View Our Newsletter

    News and Updates

    Your Go-To Source for the Latest Summit News and Industry Insights

    WhatsApp Image 2025-05-14 at 2.10.34 PM

    Game Time Africa

    Where African Sport Business Makes Deals Happen

    Set to take place on January 15–16, 2026 at the world-renowned Four Seasons Hotel Rabat in the dynamic city of Morocco, the inaugural Game Time Africa Summit marks a bold step forward for the continent’s sports industry.

    Read More

    WhatsApp Image 2025-05-14 at 2.13.10 PM (1)
    Game Time Africa
    Report, Charting Africa’s Sports Industry Growth
    Read More
    WhatsApp Image 2025-05-14 at 2.10.34 PM (1)
    Game Time Africa
    ASCI Unveils Promo Video for Upcoming Sports Industry Summit
    Read More
    Read News and Updates

    frequently asked questions

    The Game Time Africa Summit Unveiled: All You Need to Know

    What is the Game Time Africa Summit?

    The Game Time Africa Summit is the premier pan-African sports business event, bringing together investors, entrepreneurs, policymakers, brand leaders, and global sports stakeholders to make deals, shape policy, and celebrate innovation in Africa’s growing sports economy.

    Who should attend the summit?

    The summit is designed for C-suite only: sports corporations, entrepreneurs, service providers, investors, government officials, brand executives, media professionals, and rights holders looking to learn, connect, invest, and grow within Africa’s sports business ecosystem.

    When and where is the summit taking place?

    The summit will be held on January 15–16, 2026, at Four Seasons Hotel, Rabat Morocco, during the final week of AFCON 2025 — creating a unique opportunity to engage with the global sports community at its peak moment on the continent.

    What can I expect at the summit?

    2 packed days! Expect high-level panels, keynote sessions, workshops, a Deal Room (Under the Baobab), awards gala diner, and unmatched networking. You’ll gain insights into emerging trends like sportstech, media rights, infrastructure, athlete branding, and more.

    How do I participate in the “Under the Baobab” Deal Room?

    To access the Deal Room, you must be a registered participant and submit an application as either an investor or entrepreneur. A curated selection process will connect top ventures with strategic investors for high-impact matchmaking.

    Are there sponsorship or partnership opportunities?

    Yes! We offer tailored sponsorship packages for brands, agencies, and service providers looking to align with Africa’s most influential sports business platform. Reach out via the Contact page to learn more.

    How can I register?

    Registration will open soon via the official website. You can subscribe to our newsletter to be the first to know when tickets go live and to receive exclusive updates.

    Scroll to Top
    Image Description

    Osi Umenyiora

    2-time Superbowl Champion & NFL Ambassador

    Nigerian Osi Umenyiora is a two-time Super Bowl winning defensive end with the New York Giants and a two-time winner in the prestigious Royal Television Society Awards for his work on BBC Television in the UK. In 2015, he returned to London, becoming an NFL Ambassador and working as an analyst for BBC TV’s coverage of the NFL. He co-hosts "The Jason & Osi Podcast" and co-presents for the NFL Show on ITV, both with fellow NFL alum, Jason Bell. He has twice been named as Best Sports/Presenter/Analyst in the Royal Television Society Awards (2017 and 2019) and was named as Sports Pundit of the Year for 2018 in the Sports Journalists’ Association Broadcast Awards. He also created, and continues to oversee, the International Pathway Program (IPP) and the NFL Academy.
    In 2021 Osi founded scouting camps in Nigeria which focus on finding talent for the IPP and The Academy for the NFL in both the US and UK, respectively. The camps, through his program The Uprise, have continued to expand across Africa annually. In 2021 he also created and spearheaded the creation of NFL Africa, which he continues to run.

    Image Description

    Rene Awambeng

    Founder and Managing Partner of Premier Invest

    René Awambeng is a seasoned corporate and investment banker with three decades of experience spanning Africa, the Caribbean, Europe, and the Middle East. Over his distinguished career, he has structured, led, and driven more than US $8 billion in revenues and facilitated transactions exceeding US $300 billion across diverse sectors, including energy, trade-enabling infrastructure, commodities, and financial services for wholesale corporate clients. He served as Global Head of Client Relations at the African Export–Import Bank (Afreximbank), where over eight years he was instrumental in growing the balance sheet and profitability, strengthening strategic partnerships, and advancing the Bank’s mandate to promote intra-African trade across member states and global markets.
    Premier Investment Holdings Limited (PIHL), trading as Premier Invest, is a financial services holding company headquartered in Abu Dhabi, UAE, comprising 3 dynamic subsidiaries — banking, fund management and advisory, and commodity trading — and developing Africa first sports infrastructure fund.

    Image Description

    Amina Lanaya

    UCI Director General Tchamba

    Amina Lanaya has been the Director General of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) since September 2017.
    With French, Moroccan and Swiss nationality, she is the first woman to occupy the post since the Federation was founded in 1900. She is also one of the few female executives in charge of an international sports federation.
    A qualified lawyer, she worked with international law firms in Paris, France, before moving to Switzerland in 2003 and joining the UCI in 2006. After working in the UCI’s Legal Department, in particular in anti-doping, she became the Federation’s deputy Director General (September 2013) before moving to her current position. She now heads up a team of around 130 people.
    Passionate about sport, Amina Lanaya is also a committed supporter of causes such as the promotion of women and diversity in sport and governance, the protection of integrity at all levels, and sustainable development.
    When she has time, she makes the most of the UCI’s superb facilities and surroundings to ride her bike.

    Image Description

    Mr. Khalid Safir

    Chief Executive Officer of the Caisse de Dépôt et de Gestion (CDG) Morocco

    Born in 1967 in Settat, 85 km from Casablanca, Safir graduated from the Ecole Polytechnique de Paris in 1991. In 1995, Safir joined the Ministry of Finance as a research officer, before becoming a director in the same department in 1998. In 2006, Safir was appointed Governor of Casablanca’s al Fida-Mers Sultan Prefecture, then of Casablanca-Anfa Prefecture in 2009. From 2011 to 2013, Safir held the position of Secretary General of the Ministry of Economy and Finance. On October 2013, King Mohammed VI appointed Safir as the Wali of the Casablanca Region and Governor of the Casablanca Prefecture. In 2015, he then joined Morocco premiere financial institution CDG as Chief Executive Officer.

    Image Description

    Yasser Shaker

    Executive Vice President, CEO of Orange Middle East and Africa

    Yasser Shaker is a seasoned telecom executive and visionary leader who currently serves as Executive Vice President and CEO of Orange Middle East and Africa (OMEA) since July 1, 2025. Yasser Shaker. He also holds several positions of Chairman of the board. With more than 25 years of experience in the telecommunications industry, Yasser brings a powerful blend of strategic insight, operational rigor, and a strong commitment to digital inclusion and innovation. From 2018 to 2025, Yasser served as CEO of Orange Egypt, during a particularly challenging period and successfully led a major turnaround, reviving growth, restoring profitability, and strengthening OEG’s market position, serving now over 33 million customers. With 28 years of telecom experience, Yasser combines multinational corporate and country-level expertise. Passionate about youth development, he currently serves as chairman & board member of several universities & organizations. A telecom engineer with an MBA, he speaks four languages.

    Image Description

    Mr Tresor Penku

    LALIGA Africa Managing Director

    Born in Cameroon, Tresor Penku boasts a diverse academic background with degrees in Marketing (ESERP Business School Madrid), Management (Staffordshire University), and a master’s in Sports Management. He also holds certifications in sports sponsorship, strategy, and digital marketing from top institutions like Barca Innovation Hub and IE Business School.
    In 2010, Trésor joined Edusport in Spain, driving marketing and sports projects. By 2014, he was CEO at Soccer Live Academy, training young talents globally. His career includes roles at Premium Fitness Club Holmes Place and L'Oréal Spain.
    In 2018, Trésor became LaLiga's International Business Development Consultant for Central Africa, expanding LALIGA’s presence in countries including DR Congo, Congo Brazzaville, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and Cameroon. Since 2023, he leads LALIGA’s activities in Africa as Managing Director, based in Johannesburg.
    Trésor’s journey is one of dedication and innovation, believing in sports as a catalyst for growth and success.

    Image Description

    Abdou Diop

    Forvis Mazars Managing Director

    Mr. Abdou Diop is Managing Partner of Mazars Audit & Conseil, an international audit and consulting firm. For over 25 years, he has been providing consulting and audit services in Morocco and across Africa, working with public-interest companies (large, public or private), international donors, and governments (Burkina Faso, Comoros, Mauritania, Burundi, Senegal, Madagascar, etc.) on issues related to strategy, sectoral reforms, and development policies. He also supports the development of numerous Moroccan companies on the African continent, including banks (Attijariwafa Bank, Banque Centrale Populaire), insurance companies (RMA), telecom operators (Maroc Telecom), manufacturers (Plastima), and real estate operators (Palmeraie Holding, AGI, etc.).

    Abdou Diop previously served as President of the Africa and South-South Commission of the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (CGEM). He coordinated the activities of the Economic Impulse Groups, notably Morocco-Ivory Coast and Morocco-Senegal. He was also responsible for implementing actions to improve the legal and fiscal framework for cooperation between Morocco and other African and Southern countries, as well as supporting and structuring development and BtoB actions between Moroccan companies and Southern companies. Mr. Diop is also regularly sought after for his expertise in numerous economic sectors and his knowledge of the African continent to provide insights through articles and publications. He also acts as a panelist and moderator in national and international forums and conferences.

    Image Description

    Mouad Hajji

    World Cup 2030 Lead

    Image Description

    Desire Koussawo

    SAGES Africa Founder and CEO

    A prominent figure in the French gaming community and beyond, Désiré was the Managing Director of ESL France and is the cofounder and honorary president of the Futurolan Association, which organizes Gamers Assembly, France's largest LAN party. Currently serving as President of the France Esports Association, he is deeply committed to advancing esports at all levels, from local to global. Through his latest venture, SAGES Africa, Désiré has been instrumental in shaping the future of esports in Africa since 2019.

    Image Description

    Adama Gaye

    Orange Ventures , Head of Investment for Africa

    As the Lead for Middle East and Africa at Orange Ventures, Adama Gaye plays a pivotal role in managing the corporate venture capital arm of Orange Group, which oversees €350 million in assets, including €50 million dedicated to the MEA region. By leveraging Orange Group's expertise, networks, and capital on the continent, Orange Ventures accelerates the growth and expansion of businesses, propelling them towards global success.

    Adama Gaye is a graduate of Sciences Po Paris (France). With over a decade of experience in Africa, including business development roles at Saint-Gobain and strategic positions at Orange MEA, Adama joined Orange Ventures in 2024. Adama has also worked within the United Nations organization in New York for the Mauritanian Ambassador and for Hubert Vedrine, the former Foreign Minister of France.

    Image Description

    Dr Yasmine Alaoui

    Principal, Gratiya Africa

    Yasmine Alaoui is a university lecturer and senior consultant specializing in governance, attractiveness and territorial marketing. She holds a doctorate in economics and management, as well as specialized diplomas in territorial marketing and public management (IMPGT Aix-en-Provence, Aix-Marseille Université/SciencePo, ENCG).
    She is a member of the executive board of the Observatoire de la Protection de l'Environnement et des Monuments Historique de la ville de TANGER/Doctoral thesis on territorial identity. She has advised on numerous territorial marketing projects in Morocco (Tangier, Casablanca, Marrakech, Oujda, Dakhla) as well as in France, Spain and West Africa. Her expertise covers market studies, diagnostics, strategies, operational plans and evaluations.

    Image Description

    Ibrahim Sagna

    Silverbacks Holdings Executive Chairman

    Ibrahim Sagna (pronounced “San Ya”) is an institutional platformbuilder with over 25 years of experience in global finance. Mr. Sagna serves today as the Executive Chairman of SilverbacksHoldings, an alternative investment firm focused primarily on acquiring strategic stakes in select professional sports franchises and media properties. He is the Vice-Chairman and a Founding Partner of the Cape Town Tigers, a South African basketball franchise that participates in the NBA’s league in Africa, the Basketball Africa League (“BAL”). Silverbacks Holdings also invests selectively in dominant technology companies but essentially intervenes in tech through a fund of fundstrategy.

    Image Description

    Ronny Turiaf

    NBA Champion, Investor, EVP Strategy Owner Sporting Club Escaldes

    Ronny Turiaf is a retired French former professional basketball player who played 10 seasons in the NBA for the Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks, Washington Wizards, Miami Heat, Los Angeles Clippers, and Minnesota Timberwolves, winning an NBA championship in 2012 with the Heat. Turiaf was a member of the French national team and was inducted into the French Basketball Hall of Fame in 2020.
    From NBA champion to cultural entrepreneur, his journey is a constant exploration of performance, identity, and transformation. Today, he supports athletes, creatives, and leaders in their life transitions—whether it's reinventing themselves, launching a meaningful project, or rediscovering their inner alignment.
    As the founder of Maison Verveau, a creative retreat surrounded by nature, he creates spaces conducive to reflection, connection, and transformation. I also advise brands, institutions, and individuals on human dynamics, strategy, and impact.

    Image Description

    Paulo Gomes

    Orango Investment Founder & CEO

    Paulo Gomes is a global business leader, active environmentalist and a key political actor in Guinea Bissau.

    His constant search for how to reposition the country and help it become stable and prosperous is what led him to initiate the Bissau Economic Forum now in its second edition. The forum is a bi-annual discussion and investment forum on cooperation and the economic transformation of the country with all stakeholders from civil society, private sector and the government in order to attract foreign investment as well as create employment.

    Image Description

    David Mignot

    Canal+ Africa CEO

    David Mignot is a graduate of the École Nationale Supérieure des Télécommunications and holds a DEA (postgraduate degree) in Economics from Paris Dauphine University.
    He began his career in 1996 at the consulting firm Bossard Gemini Consulting, specializing in the Pay TV and Telecom sectors.
    Founder and CEO of Parabole Réunion from 1999 to 2008, David Mignot then joined the Outremer Telecom Group as Deputy CEO in charge of the Indian Ocean region, restoring profitability and successfully implementing mobile offerings. In 2011, David Mignot joined the Canal+ Group as Project Director in charge of the strategic plan.
    Since June 2013, David Mignot has been CEO of CANAL+ INTERNATIONAL for Africa.

    Image Description

    Clare Akamanzi

    NBA Africa CEO

    As CEO of NBA Africa, Clare Akamanzi oversees the NBA’s business and basketball development efforts across the continent. She is responsible for growing the popularity of basketball, the NBA, and the Basketball Africa League (BAL) through grassroots development, media distribution, corporate partnerships, and social responsibility initiatives that enhance the livelihoods of African youth and families.

    Before joining NBA Africa in January 2024, Akamanzi served as CEO of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) for six and a half years, driving Rwanda’s economic development through private sector growth.

    Image Description

    Cyril Gane

    MMA Star and Lori6Ventures President

    Cyril "Bon Gamin" Gane is a French professional mixed martial artist, investor and actor, who currently competes in the UFC's heavyweight division, where he is a former Interim UFC Heavyweight Champion and currently ranked #1. Gane started in Muay Thai, winning the national title before transitioning to MMA in 2018. He quickly rose to prominence, becoming the TKO Heavyweight Champion and later joining the UFC in 2019, where he won the interim heavyweight title in 2021. Outside the Octagon, Ciryl has co-founded ARES Fighting Championship and continues to make impactful strides in sports, technology, and media through his Family Office, LORI6 Ventures.

    Image Description

    Remy Rioux

    AFD Group CEO

    An expert in economics and international financial institutions, Rémy Rioux has held high-level positions in a career devoted to development, Africa and the French economy. After serving as Chief of Staff of the French Economy and Finance Minister Pierre Moscovici, he was appointed by Laurent Fabius as Deputy Secretary General of the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs and coordinated the finance agenda for the French Presidency of COP21, up to the final negotiation of the Paris Agreement.

    In 2024, he was mandated by the French President, Emmanuel Macron, and the President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Thomas Bach, to organize the first International Summit on Sport for Sustainable Development, on the eve of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

    Image Description

    Marc Lasry

    Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder

    Co-Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Avenue Capital Group Marc Lasry is a renowned financial strategist and a former Co-Owner of the Milwaukee Bucks NBA franchise. Lasry was born in Morocco and moved to the U.S. at age 7 with his family. He is the first ever Moroccan to win the NBA championship ever with the Bucks in 2021. Lasry founded Avenue Capital Group with his sister, Sonia Gardner, as a global alternative investment manager focused on distressed and undervalued debt and equity opportunities in the U.S., Europe, and Asia, and it has grown to one of the largest distressed debt investors globally, managing assets of approximately $13B. He is heralded as a pioneer in distressed investing, which has been the focus of his career, and his insights are sought-after for speaking events with Reuters Global Investment Summit, the SALT Conference, the Young President’s Organization, and more. A big sports fan and US sports industry leader, Lasry reportedly sold a 25% stake in the Milwaukee Bucks in 2023, when the team was valued at $3.5 billion.

    Image Description

    Will Mbiakop

    ASCI Executive Chairman

    Founder of the Game Time Summit A 20+ year veteran in the sports industry in Europe Middle East and Africa, Will Mbiakop is the founder and Executive Chairman of the African Sports and Creative Institute (ASCI), CEO of AMW, Founder of the Game Time Summit and investor. AMW is a strategic advisory firm focusing on sports monetization and investment. ASCI delivers business intelligence and capacity building programs, contributing to uplifting the sports & creative ecosystem in Africa. Previously, as head of Business Development for NBA Africa for about a decade, Mbiakop was instrumental in the growth of the NBA on the continent. As a speaker and well-respected subject matter expert, his insights on sports and creative industries, have been featured on CNN, CNBC, Bloomberg, AfreximBank, World Bank annual meetings and more. Mbiakop is a published author of 2 pioneering books in French and English: “Africa Sports Industry: Understanding the Game” & “Economie du Sport en Afrique”.

    Image Description

    Fouzi Lekjaa

    Minister of Budget – President of Royal Moroccan Football Federation

    Fouzi Lekjaa is a prominent Moroccan politician, government official, and sports administrator born on July 23, 1970. He has served as President of the Moroccan Royal Football Federation since 2014 and as the Minister Delegate in charge of the Budget since 2021. His international roles include membership in the executive committees of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA). He was honored with the Order of the Throne for leading Morocco's historic 2022 World Cup performance and was appointed to head the committee for Morocco's bid to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup.