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.
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.
AFRICA’S MOST INFLUENTIAL SPORT BUSINESS PLATFORM
Where brands, rights holders, and C-suite leaders come together to drive growth, innovation, and impact.
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

karim-zidane
Karim Zidane
Minister of Investments, Convergence, and Evaluation of Public Policies
Will-Mbiakop
Will Mbiakop
ASCI Executive Chairman
Fred Whitfield
Fred Whitfield
Retired President, Vice- Chairman, Alternate Governor and Minority Owner
Moïse Katumbi
Moïse Katumbi
TP Mazembe
President
1
Fouzi Lekjaa
Minister of Budget – President of Royal Moroccan Football Federation
Remy Rioux
AFD Group CEO
Patrice Evra
Patrice Evra
Football Legend
Greg Carey
Greg Carey
Chairman of Public Finance, Global Co-Head of Sports Franchise
Goldman Sachs
dadju
Dadju Djuna Nsungula
Artist and Founder Mansa Holding
Aida Diarra
Aida Diarra
Ex VISA SSA Senior Vice President
Khalid Safir
Mr. Khalid Safir
Chief Executive Officer of the Caisse de Dépôt et de Gestion (CDG) Morocco
68b21519e112c517ded776ae_Rene awambeng (35)-p-800
Rene Awambeng
Founder and Managing Partner of Premier Invest
Tresor-Penku
Mr Tresor Penku
LALIGA Africa Managing Director
Emmanuael Adebayor
Emmanuel Adebayor
Former Premier League star striker
Marc Lasry_1235_RT
Marc Lasry
Avenue Capital Co-Founder, Chairman & CEO
david-mignot
David Mignot
Canal+ Africa CEO
Yasser Shaker
Yasser Shaker
Executive Vice President, CEO of Orange Middle East and Africa
Badr Hari
Badr Hari
Kickboxing Legend – Punch Founder and CEO
Gelson Fernandes
Gelson Fernandes
Football Legend – FIFA Deputy Chief Member Associations Officer and Director of Member Associations Africa
Cyril Gane
Cyril Gane
MMA Star and Lori6Ventures President
Eni Aluko OLY
Eni Aluko OLY
Football Legend - Investor Mercury 13
Alexandre Song
Alexandre Song
Football Legend and Entrepreneur
Ibrahim Sagna, HD Light
Ibrahim Sagna
Silverbacks Holdings Executive Chairman
Yassine Haddaoui
Yassine Haddaoui
CDG Invest, CEO
Fouzia Madhouni
Fouzia Madhouni
NFL Ambassador
REPORTAJE A RONNY TURIAF EN MARCA SPORT WEEKEND MALAGA 2024
Ronny Turiaf
NBA Champion, Investor, EVP Strategy Owner Sporting Club Escaldes
3
Clare Akamanzi
NBA Africa CEO
Amina-Lanaya
Amina Lanaya
UCI Director General Tchamba
DIA-constan-nemale
Constant NEMALE
Founder & Chairman of AFRICA24 Group
Manal Bernoussi
Manal Bernoussi
Founder and CEO
Leaders on Purpose
Abdou-Diop
Abdou Diop
Forvis Mazars Managing Director
Desire-koussawo
Desire Koussawo
SAGES Africa Founder and CEO
7
Mouad Hajji
World Cup 2030 Lead
ragga official
Ragnheiður Elín Árnadóttir
Director of OECD Development Centre
Fererico Bonaglia
Mr. Federico Bonaglia
Deputy Director, the OECD Development Centre
Osi Umenyiora
Osi Umenyiora
2-time Superbowl Champion & NFL Ambassador
4
Paulo Gomes
Orango Investment Founder & CEO
Adama Gueye
Adama Gueye
Orange Ventures , Head of Investment for Africa
Gallo-Fall_Amadou
Amadou Fall
BAL President
Brian Ratzliff
Global Sports & Events Managing Partner
IFAF CONGRESS-207
Pierre Trochet
President International Federation of American Football - IFAF

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 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

    Mr. Zidane Karim

    Minister of Investments, Convergence, and Evaluation of Public Policies

    Mr. Karim Zidane was appointed by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist Him, on Wednesday, October 23,2024, as Minister Delegate to the Head of Government, responsible for Investment, Convergence, and the Evaluation of Public Policies.
    With a solid experience in both the public and private sectors, Mr. Karim Zidane has demonstrated deep expertise in leading strategic projects, coordinating multisectoral initiatives, and building high-level partnerships.
    A graduate of prestigious national and international institutions, he brings over twenty years of experience managing complex economic portfolios, with a particular focus on sustainable growth policies and attracting foreign investment to Morocco.
    Before his ministerial appointment, Karim Zidane held senior positions within prominent international organizations, where he played a vital role in designing and implementing strategies for international cooperation and development, driven by his recognized expertise and commitment to innovation.

    Image Description

    Simon Tiemtoré

    Lilium Capital CEO

    Simon Tiemtoré is an American businessman originally from Burkina Faso. He is one of the leading investors in Burkina Faso and West Africa through his company, Lilium Capital, headquartered in New York.
    After studying law in Burkina Faso, he continued at American University and NYU School of Law, later working as a tax and corporate lawyer at Staden Harps, PwC, and Morgan Stanley. In 2012, he joined the African Import-Export Bank in Cairo, before co-founding Lilium Capital with Didier Nkieré. As head of Lilium Capital, he acquired and developed several banks and businesses across West Africa, including Vista Bank Group, Ayka Textile, and a pharmaceutical company in Ouagadougou. He also expanded the group’s presence in Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Congo, financing major projects such as the future government city of Brazzaville.
    In addition to his business ventures, Tiemtoré actively supports sports development. In 2025, Vista Group signed a major partnership with the USFA, the Burkinabé army sports club, investing in infrastructure, training, and youth programs to professionalize the teams and support education for young athletes.

    Image Description

    Moïse Katumbi

    Congolese Sports Leader and Politician

    Moïse Katumbi Chapwe is a Congolese businessman, politician, and sports executive, best known as the long-time president of Tout Puissant Mazembe (TP Mazembe), one of Africa’s most successful football clubs. Since taking over in 1997, he has transformed the club into a continental powerhouse, winning multiple CAF Champions League titles and reaching the 2010 FIFA Club World Cup final. He also founded the Katumbi Football Academy, nurturing young African talent, and has served on FIFA’s Strategic Committee since 2012. Under his leadership, TP Mazembe became the first non-European or South American club to reach the Club World Cup final. Katumbi’s vision combines elite football development with strong organizational management, earning him recognition as one of Africa’s top sports executives, including the 2020 CAF Award for Best African Club Leader.
    Beyond sports, Katumbi has been a major figure in Congolese politics. He served as governor of the Katanga province from 2007 to 2015, initiated significant infrastructure and social programs, and founded the political party Ensemble pour la République. He has run for president and remains a leading voice in the opposition, advocating for democracy, good governance, and development in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

    Image Description

    Francis Ngannou

    MMA Champion, Heavyweight Titleholder, and PFL Africa Chairman

    Francis Ngannou is a Cameroonian MMA icon and a leading figure in the global sports industry, bridging high-level performance with strategic governance.
    After reigning as UFC Heavyweight Champion, Ngannou joined the Professional Fighters League (PFL) in 2023 under a landmark agreement that reshaped fighter economics. Beyond competing in PFL Super Fights, he was appointed Chairman of PFL Africa, playing a central role in the league’s expansion strategy across the continent. His involvement reflects a broader vision to structure, professionalize, and globalize African combat sports ecosystems.
    In October 2024, Ngannou captured the PFL Heavyweight Championship, reinforcing his position as one of the most influential figures in modern combat sports. Through his leadership role and foundation initiatives, he actively contributes to talent development, infrastructure, and access to combat sports in Africa.

    Image Description

    Gelson Fernandes

    Football Legend – FIFA Deputy Chief Member Associations Officer and Director of Member Associations Africa

    Gelson Fernandes is a former Swiss international born in Cape Verde, who transitioned to a key role at FIFA, serving as Deputy Chief Member Associations Officer and Director of Member Associations Africa, focusing on developing football in Africa after a career with clubs like Manchester City and representing Switzerland at three World Cups. He joined FIFA in 2022, leveraging his playing experience to support African football, returning to his roots to give back to the continent where he began his journey.

    Image Description

    Hamza Kabbaj

    General Manager, SGTM, Morocco

    Hamza Kabbaj is the General Manager at SGTM, a leading Moroccan construction and civil engineering group involved in the development of major infrastructure projects across the Kingdom.
    Under his leadership, SGTM has been actively involved in the construction of large-scale and strategic infrastructures, including mega sports facilities such as the Stade Moulay Abdellah, an emblematic project contributing to Morocco’s urban development and international sporting ambitions. Mr. Kabbaj’s work focuses on the delivery of complex, high-impact infrastructure, positioning SGTM as a key player in Morocco’s infrastructure and sports economy ecosystem.

    Image Description

    Alexandre Song

    Football Legend and Entrepreneur

    Alex Song is a former professional footballer who played as a midfielder for top clubs including Arsenal, Barcelona as well as the Cameroon national team, participating in the 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cups and multiple Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.
    Since retiring from professional football, Song has turned his focus to entrepreneurship and community development in Cameroon. He is involved in projects such as the Canadian International School and College in Douala and has invested in real estate and construction ventures. Through these initiatives, he aims to support youth development, education, and local economic growth, applying lessons from his football career to broader social impact.

    Image Description

    Sheyi Emmanuel Adebayor

    Football Legend & Sports Development Investor

    Sheyi Emmanuel Adebayor is a former professional footballer who played as a forward for clubs including Arsenal, Manchester City, Real Madrid, and Tottenham Hotspur, as well as the Togo national team. Known for his speed, technical skill, and goal-scoring ability, Adebayor had a prolific career across Europe’s top leagues.
    Since retiring, Adebayor has turned his focus to investing in sports development in Africa. In March 2025, he met with Roland Somda, Burkina Faso’s Minister of Sports, to present an ambitious plan for a high-level football academy in the country. The project aims to provide modern training facilities, medical support, expert coaching, and holistic education for young athletes, following international standards. Adebayor’s initiative seeks to nurture the next generation of African football talent and strengthen the sports ecosystem in West Africa. By leveraging his professional experience and international network, he hopes to inspire similar investments across the continent, making football development more structured, accessible, and impactful.

    Image Description

    Badr Hari

    Kickboxing Legend – Punch Founder and CEO

    Badr Hari is a former heavyweight kickboxer and sports entrepreneur. A multiple-time world champion in kickboxing, Hari has transitioned from competition to investing in sports development, with a focus on Morocco.
    He is the founder of “Punch” boxing studios, a network of gyms designed to develop young talent, provide high-quality training, and make sports accessible to a wider audience. His vision combines professional athletic standards with affordable access, contributing to the growth of the sports economy and creating opportunities for youth and local communities. Hari plans to expand the network in the coming years, reinforcing his long-term commitment to sports entrepreneurship and social impact in Morocco.

    Image Description

    Dadju Djuna Nsungula

    Artist and Founder Mansa Holding

    Dadju (full name Dadju Djuna Nsungula) is a French-Congolese singer, rapper, songwriter and entrepreneur. He began his career in 2012 as one half of the duo The Shin Sekaï with Abou Tall and later launched a successful solo career with his debut album Gentleman 2.0 in 2017, featuring the hit Reine.
    Dadju followed up with the albums Poison ou Antidote (2019) and Cullinan (2022), and in 2024 released the collaborative album Héritage with Tayc. His music blends R&B, pop and urban influences and has earned him multiple NRJ Music Awards. Beyond music, Dadju has expanded into entrepreneurship and lifestyle ventures. In late 2025, he opened his first padel club in Dubai, Padel One, marking his entry into sports-related business projects. The launch event drew high-profile guests including Kylian Mbappé, Francis Ngannou and the Hernandez brothers, highlighting his influence beyond the music industry.

    Image Description

    Tarik Belghazi

    CEO TBB E-Corp

    Tarik Belghazi is an entrepreneur and investor in esports, active across the Africa and MENA markets. He is Investor & CEO of TBB E-Corp, a structure dedicated to the development of competitive teams and esports ecosystems, with a strong focus on performance and professional structuring.
    Under his leadership, his teams have brought Morocco onto the international esports stage, notably through a Back-to-Back MENA Championship and a world final appearance at the Free Fire World Series 2022, demonstrating his ability to build sustainable and competitive esports projects at a global level.
    Drawing on his background in international private banking and investment strategy, Tarik Belghazi brings to esports a distinctive approach combining long-term vision, governance, financial discipline, and talent structuring, contributing to the professionalization of the esports sector in Africa.

    Image Description

    Greg Carey

    Chairman of Public Finance and Global Co-Head of Sports Franchise Goldman Sachs

    Greg Carey is Chairman of Goldman Sachs’ Public Sector and Infrastructure Group, where he focuses on the firm’s national infrastructure practice, with specific expertise in sports finance and advisory, project finance, and surface transportation. He has led numerous landmark transactions, with seven of his team’s deals recognized as Institutional Investor or Project Finance “Deal of the Year.” He joined Goldman Sachs as a Managing Director in 2004, following a 22-year career at Citigroup where he co-headed the firm’s infrastructure group. In addition to his banking roles, he is Vice Chair of the Tisch Center Advisory Board at New York University and previously taught a course on the business of sports facilities at NYU. He holds an AB in Economics from Harvard College.

    Image Description

    Fred Whitfield

    Ex Charlotte Hornets President NBA Owner

    Fred Whitfield is a senior sports executive and business leader. He served as President, Chief Operating Officer, Vice Chairman, Alternate Governor, and minority owner of the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets. Appointed in 2006, he has overseen the franchise’s business operations, strategic partnerships, and major venue developments, including significant renovations to Spectrum Center. He has played a central role in securing and delivering major national and international events, as well as long-term commercial agreements in ticketing, media rights, and venue naming. Previously, he held senior roles across professional sports, brand management, and legal affairs, including with the Jordan Brand, Nike Basketball, and the Washington Wizards. He is widely recognized for his leadership in sports business and governance.

    Image Description

    Constant NEMALE

    Founder & Chairman AFRICA24 Group

    A proud Cameroonian, Constant Nemale is a journalist and editor in chief by trade. He notably wrote his friend Michael Jordan biography in 1999. He inspired the creation of several projects in the world of communications: the first Afro-European and Pan-African television channel, named at 3A TELESUD, ETNIUM as the first ethnic marketing & communication agency in France in 2001; just before launching AFRICA24 in November 2008.
    The whole AFRICA24 meaning stands in our motto “World News for Africa. Africa News for the World”. AFRICA24 is simply the first ever news channel broadcasting 24/7 news about the entire African continent. AFRICA24 Sport promotes and broadcast africa sports championship

    Image Description

    Eni Aluko OLY

    Football Legend - Investor

    Eniola Aluko is a former professional footballer who played for Chelsea, Juventus and England Lionesses making 104 appearances over 11 years and playing for Great Britain in 2012 London Olympics.
    She leads a multi-hyphenate career after graduating from Brunel University with a First class honors in Law (LLB) and qualified as a UK Sports and Entertainment solicitor. She is a football broadcaster and football business executive leading the way with executive roles as the first sporting director at Angel City FC in Los Angeles and now an investor and adviser at multi women’s club ownership investment group Mercury 13. Eni became the first ever black female to own shares in an Italian football club. She was honoured by His Royal Highness Prince William with an MBE in November 2023.

    Image Description

    Aida Diarra

    Ex VISA SSA Senior Vice President

    Aida Diarra is a transformative leader whose career spans more than a quarter-century at the intersection of finance, technology, and social impact. As Former Senior Vice President for Subsaharan Africa and now founder of Adia & Dias Consulting limited, Aida's unwavering commitment to social impact is a beacon to many in the continent and beyond. She channels her passion and expertise into empowering millions across Africa, championing initiatives that unlock opportunity, foster innovation, and drive inclusive growth.
    Born and raised in West Africa, Aida’s journey is rooted in a deep understanding of the continent’s challenges and its immense potential. Her early experiences inspired a lifelong commitment to bridging the gaps in access to financial services, education, and economic opportunities. Guided by this purpose, Aida has built a legacy of impact in senior roles at global organizations.

    Image Description

    Mr. Federico Bonaglia

    Deputy Director, the OECD Development Centre

    In this capacity, Federico supports the Director in establishing the strategic directions and implementing the Programme of Work of the OECD Development Centre (www.oecd.org/dev), ensuring that the Centre’s analysis and advice remain at the forefront of policy thinking and produce tangible results.
    Federico provides leadership to strengthen the Development Centre’s engagement with its 54 member countries, notably by managing the Centre’s Governing Board, and to increase the impact of the Centre’s work.
    Federico oversees the Development Centre’s work with Africa, Asia and Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as thematic areas of work such as social inclusion, gender equality, migration and development. Federico is also the Head of Delegation for the OECD to the G20 Development Working Group. An economist by training, Federico holds a master’s degree in economics and social sciences (Discipline Economiche e Sociali) from Bocconi University (1997) and a master’s in economics (1999) from the same University.
    Federico joined the OECD Development Centre in 1999. At the OECD, he has been involved and led several projects on the economic and institutional consequences of globalisation for developing countries in Africa, South-East Asia, Central America, the Black Sea and Central Asia. In 2008-09, he was seconded to Italy’s Prime Minister’s Office to lead the sustainable development and outreach aspects of the G8 La Maddalena-Aquila Leaders’ Summit. In this capacity he played a key role in the design of the L’Aquila Food Security Initiative. Some of his more recent achievements include the design of the G20 Platform on SDG Localisation and Intermediary Cities, endorsed by G20 Leaders in 2021, and the African-Union-OECD African virtual Investment Platform, endorsed by G7 leaders in 2024.

    Image Description

    Elias Schulze

    General Manager of PFL Africa

    Elias Schulze is the General Manager of PFL Africa, leading the league’s launch and expansion across the continent. A seasoned strategist, operator, and entrepreneur, he brings over 15 years of experience in strategy, finance, and operations across more than 20 African markets. Schulze previously co-founded Kana Television, Ethiopia’s leading TV network acquired by Canal+, and served as co-founder and Africa CEO of Kaymu (Jumia Group), scaling the business across 17 markets. Earlier, he worked with McKinsey & Company in Africa and the Middle East and began his career in private equity with Emerging Capital Partners. He also serves on the board of the Medical Benevolence Foundation, advises Cauris Finance, and is Managing Partner of The Africa Group.

    Image Description

    Amadou Fall

    BAL President

    Amadou Gallo Fall is the President of the Basketball Africa League (BAL), leading the historic league's vision and business/basketball operations. A key figure in the growth of basketball in Africa, his career spans both team management and league-wide development. In 1998, as a graduate student from Senegal and studying in the United States, Fall founded SEED Project (Sports for Education and Economic Development) a non-profit organisation serving more than 2,000 students weekly across Senegal, The Gambia and the USA to ensure that youth have access to a quality education, high performance sports training, and the leadership tools to make big dreams come true.

    Image Description

    Fouzia Madhouni

    NFL Ambassador

    Fouzia Madhouni is an NFL and IFAF flag football ambassador in Morocco, known for empowering women and girls through sports. She is the founder of the non-profit "We Can Morocco" and the first female professional African player of American football. Through her work, she coaches nationally and internationally, helps create an environment for women's football, and collaborates with the NFL on initiatives to advance the sport.

    Image Description

    Yassine Haddaoui

    CDG Invest, CEO

    Since February 2019, Yassine Haddaoui has been the CEO of CDG Invest, the investment arm of Morocco largest financial institution CDG group.
    After beginning his career as a corporate finance analyst at CFG Bank, he joined the CDG Group in 2004. In October 2010, he was appointed Director of Strategy and Development at the Caisse de Dépôt et de Gestion (CDG). During this tenure, he led several strategic plans in which the CDG Group began to shift its focus from operator to expert, co-financier, and investor. Yassine Haddaoui is also a member of the Board of Directors and the Audit Committee of several portfolio companies.
    Yassine Haddaoui graduated from ISCAE (1999) and Sciences Po Paris (2004). He also holds a postgraduate degree (DESS) in financial engineering from Paris XII University (2000).

    Image Description

    Brian Ratzliff

    Global Sports & Events Managing Partner

    Mr Ratzliff is the managing partner at Global Sports & Events (GSE). GSE is a leader in crafting unique events and experiences (sports tourism) empowering athletes to grow on and off the field. With 30+ years of expertise and a sprawling global network, GSE has delivered hundreds of world-class events, from collegiate to amateur athletics. A powerhouse in sports tourism, their mission is to Elevate the athlete journey and keep sports a force for good. Brian holds an MBA from the Ivey School of Business, University of Western Ontario, Canada, where he graduated Dean’s List and a BA from Trinity Western University in Vancouver, Canada where he played varsity basketball.

    Image Description

    Pierre Trochet

    President International Federation of American Football - IFAF

    Pierre Trochet is President of the International Federation of American Football (IFAF.) Now in his second term, he remains the second-youngest global leader of an Olympic sport and the first millennial to achieve the distinction.
    A former offensive lineman-turned-tech entrepreneur in his native France, Pierre oversees the global governance of American football, including both the flag and tackle football disciplines, with a network of 75 national member federations spanning every continent.
    Much of this success is underpinned by the transformation of the federation’s relationship with the NFL under Pierre’s leadership. American football’s primary professional league, always an important stakeholder, now serves as a true strategic partner, represented on the IFAF Board, and with flag football – the sport’s most accessible and inclusive format – the cornerstone of joint grassroots development efforts around the world.
    Of all Pierre’s achievements at IFAF, undoubtedly the greatest structural impact has come through full IOC recognition – the product of a rigorous, 360° governance assessment in 2023 – and the parallel success of an audacious campaign for flag football’s historic inclusion in the LA28 Olympic Games.
    Determined to maximize the game-changing opportunities ahead, Pierre now has the unique privilege of helping to navigate an unprecedented union between two superpowers of global sport. He is passionate about pioneering a new model of collaboration between commercial sports leagues and the Olympic movement.

    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 is the Executive Chairman of Silverbacks Holdings, a private investment firm focused on tech, entertainment, and sports, with nine profitable exits since 2019.
    Silverbacks' landmark investments include Uber backed Moove, Stripe backed Wave Mobile Money, Netflix movies producer Forever7 Entertainment, Stake sponsored African Warriors Fighting Championship (AWFC), and the NBA Africa tournament participating basketball team, Cape Town Tigers. He serves on several boards and hosts the "IN THE VALLEY" business podcast. His 30 year career includes high finance roles at IMF, Africa Finance Corporation, Afreximbank, Rwanda Capital Markets Authority, Millennium and ECP. He holds degrees from Boston College, INSEAD, LBS, and HBS.

    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.