African Game TIme

Rabat-Morocco

15 – 16 January 2026

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PROGRAM & AGENDA

A Perfect setting for Africa Game Time Summit

Shape the Future of Sports in Africa

Explore a dynamic agenda designed to inspire, educate, and connect the continent’s top sports leaders, athletes, innovators, and enthusiasts. With expert-led panels, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities, the Africa Game Time Summit is where ideas become action.

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UNDERSTANDING THE GAME

Panel 1

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FDI IN PLAY – HOW AFRICA'S SPORTS INDUSTRY MAKES INVESTMENT SENSE FOR INTERNATIONAL INVESTORS

Thursday, Nov 13, 2025 / 10:30 AM – 12:30 AM

  • Main Hall

💡Examining tactics and game plans to attract foreign direct investment to African sport – from Africa to the world and from the world to Africa. Learn from top international investors about their approach, objectives, and KPIs on the continent. Gain a deeper understanding of what makes African sport an investable asset class in a globally competitive landscape.

  • Carla Vetrovs

    Chief innovative officer, Sports Tech Global

  • Kianna Bator

    Chief innovative officer, Sports Tech Global

  • Cheyenne Stanton

    Chief innovative officer, Sports Tech Global

  • Gretchen Donin

    Chief innovative officer, Sports Tech Global

Panel 2

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THE MEDIA RIGHTS REVOLUTION & PIRACY – HOW ARE RIGHTS HOLDERS TRYING TO BE CLUTCH IN MONEY TIME?

Thursday, Nov 13, 2025 / 10:30 AM – 12:30 AM

  • Main Hall

💡How leagues, federations, and clubs can unlock new value in the media and digital rights game? With shifting consumption habits, rising OTT platforms, and the persistent threat of piracy, rights holders must innovate rapidly to protect and grow revenues. This session delves into emerging strategies, partnerships, and technologies shaping the next frontier of media monetisation in African sport.

  • Carla Vetrovs

    Chief innovative officer, Sports Tech Global

  • Kianna Bator

    Chief innovative officer, Sports Tech Global

  • Cheyenne Stanton

    Chief innovative officer, Sports Tech Global

  • Gretchen Donin

    Chief innovative officer, Sports Tech Global

Panel 3

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UNLOCKING THE POWER OF WOMEN’S SPORTS IN AFRICA – FOR MORE WOMEN IN SPORTS LEADERSHIP?

Thursday, Nov 13, 2025 / 10:30 AM – 12:30 AM

  • Main Hall

💡How brands, broadcasters, and investors can elevate women’s sports commercially and unlock leadership opportunities? This session explores scalable strategies to grow visibility, audience engagement, and revenue in women’s sport while fostering pathways for female executives, decision-makers, and entrepreneurs across the ecosystem.

  • Carla Vetrovs

    Chief innovative officer, Sports Tech Global

  • Kianna Bator

    Chief innovative officer, Sports Tech Global

  • Cheyenne Stanton

    Chief innovative officer, Sports Tech Global

  • Gretchen Donin

    Chief innovative officer, Sports Tech Global

Panel 4

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FROM STADIUMS TO SMART CITIES – INFRASTRUCTURE FOR THE FUTURE

Thursday, Nov 13, 2025 / 10:30 AM – 12:30 AM

  • Main Hall

💡Exploring the role of mega-events like AFCON 2025 and Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games as infrastructure catalysts. Beyond stadiums, these events accelerate urban development – roads, rail, bridges, airports, hospitals, housing, mall – in host cities and countries. What’s at stake? How can we maximise opportunities and make them sustainable?

  • Carla Vetrovs

    Chief innovative officer, Sports Tech Global

  • Kianna Bator

    Chief innovative officer, Sports Tech Global

  • Cheyenne Stanton

    Chief innovative officer, Sports Tech Global

  • Gretchen Donin

    Chief innovative officer, Sports Tech Global

Fireside Chat 1

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AFRICA FOOTBALL & BASKETBALL – BUILDING ECONOMIC & SOCIAL POWERHOUSES

Thursday, Nov 13, 2025 / 10:30 AM – 12:30 AM

  • Main Hall

💡Under the leadership of the newly re-elected CAF President, African football is accelerating. AFCON is established as the #1 sporting event on the continent, with record viewership across traditional media and streaming. The NBA has transformed into a powerful economic and social engine in Africa through the Basketball Africa League (BAL), elite player development, grassroots programs, and media rights expansion. In this fireside chat, the future trends, opportunities, and Africa’s place in the global sports economy are discussed by an esteemed panel.

  • Carla Vetrovs

    Chief innovative officer, Sports Tech Global

  • Kianna Bator

    Chief innovative officer, Sports Tech Global

  • Cheyenne Stanton

    Chief innovative officer, Sports Tech Global

  • Gretchen Donin

    Chief innovative officer, Sports Tech Global

Panel 5

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PLAYERS ONLY – ATHLETES AS INVESTORS, BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE LEGACY

Thursday, Nov 13, 2025 / 10:30 AM – 12:30 AM

  • Main Hall

💡How are African athletes transitioning from endorsements to ownership – from athletes to investors? This conversation will highlight the evolving role of athletes as bankable brands, investors and business leaders, exploring how they are leveraging their platforms to build generational wealth and drive socioeconomic impact beyond the game.

  • Carla Vetrovs

    Chief innovative officer, Sports Tech Global

  • Kianna Bator

    Chief innovative officer, Sports Tech Global

  • Cheyenne Stanton

    Chief innovative officer, Sports Tech Global

  • Gretchen Donin

    Chief innovative officer, Sports Tech Global

Panel 6

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FROM VIDEO GAMES TO THE MONEY GAME – HOW TO SEIZE THE GAMING & E-SPORTS OPPORTUNITY IN AFRICA

Thursday, Nov 13, 2025 / 10:30 AM – 12:30 AM

  • Main Hall
💡Explore the rapid growth of gaming and e-sports in Africa, focusing on innovative fan engagement, digital platforms, and the monetization strategies driving the industry forward? Learn how stakeholders can capitalize on this emerging market to create sustainable revenue streams and expand audience reach across the continent?

  • Carla Vetrovs

    Chief innovative officer, Sports Tech Global

  • Kianna Bator

    Chief innovative officer, Sports Tech Global

  • Cheyenne Stanton

    Chief innovative officer, Sports Tech Global

  • Gretchen Donin

    Chief innovative officer, Sports Tech Global

Panel 7

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THE GAMBLE ON GROWTH – THE RISE OF SPORTS BETTING IN AFRICA

Thursday, Nov 13, 2025 / 10:30 AM – 12:30 AM

  • Main Hall

💡This panel explores the rapid expansion of sports betting across Africa in both sponsorship (#1 category) and gambling activities (more fans betting). It is examining its significant socio-economic impact and the opportunities it presents. It will also address the challenges of effective regulation, ensuring responsible gaming practices, and managing the social implications of this growing industry.

  • Carla Vetrovs

    Chief innovative officer, Sports Tech Global

  • Kianna Bator

    Chief innovative officer, Sports Tech Global

  • Cheyenne Stanton

    Chief innovative officer, Sports Tech Global

  • Gretchen Donin

    Chief innovative officer, Sports Tech Global

Panel 8

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FINANCING AFRICAN SPORTS – UNLOCKING NEW CAPITAL SOURCES

Thursday, Nov 13, 2025 / 10:30 AM – 12:30 AM

  • Main Hall

💡This panel will explore the emerging opportunities for financing African sports, identifying new sources of capital and investment. Experts will discuss how sports organizations and stakeholders can access these funds and leverage innovative financial strategies to drive growth and sustainability across the continent.

  • Carla Vetrovs

    Chief innovative officer, Sports Tech Global

  • Kianna Bator

    Chief innovative officer, Sports Tech Global

  • Cheyenne Stanton

    Chief innovative officer, Sports Tech Global

  • Gretchen Donin

    Chief innovative officer, Sports Tech Global

Panel 9

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LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION – ENTERTAINERS BETTING BIG ON SPORTS

Thursday, Nov 13, 2025 / 10:30 AM – 12:30 AM

  • Main Hall

💡Africa’s leading musicians, actors, and creatives are increasingly investing in sports – as team owners, brand builders, and cultural influencers. This panel explores how their involvement is reshaping the business of sport, driving fan engagement, and opening up new commercial and storytelling opportunities. The concept of “Sport-tainment” will be discussed as well as the surge of artists investing in sports (e.g. teams’ acquisition).

  • Carla Vetrovs

    Chief innovative officer, Sports Tech Global

  • Kianna Bator

    Chief innovative officer, Sports Tech Global

  • Cheyenne Stanton

    Chief innovative officer, Sports Tech Global

  • Gretchen Donin

    Chief innovative officer, Sports Tech Global

GALA NIGHT

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CELEBRATING AFRICA'S SPORTS BUSINESS EXCELLENCE

Thursday, Nov 13, 2025 / 10:30 AM – 12:30 AM

  • Main Hall

🏆 Award Categories:

Best Marketing Campaign | Best Fan Engagement Campaign | Innovation of the Year | Lifetime Achievement | Sustainable Infrastructure of the Year | Community Impact | Corporate Athlete of the Year | Most Stunning Event | Sports Business Leader of the Year | Investment of the Year | Talent Development Organisation of the Year.

  • Carla Vetrovs

    Chief innovative officer, Sports Tech Global

  • Kianna Bator

    Chief innovative officer, Sports Tech Global

  • Cheyenne Stanton

    Chief innovative officer, Sports Tech Global

  • Gretchen Donin

    Chief innovative officer, Sports Tech Global

GROWING THE GAME

Panel 10

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PRESIDENTIAL PANEL – SPORTS AS A NEW ACCELERATOR FOR NATIONAL LEAPFROGGING

Thursday, Nov 13, 2025 / 10:30 AM – 12:30 AM

  • Main Hall

💡A high-level discussion on how African Heads of State are positioning sport as a strategic tool for national development. From infrastructure to youth empowerment, discover how governments are creating enabling environments to unlock the full potential of the sport industry.

  • Carla Vetrovs

    Chief innovative officer, Sports Tech Global

  • Kianna Bator

    Chief innovative officer, Sports Tech Global

  • Cheyenne Stanton

    Chief innovative officer, Sports Tech Global

  • Gretchen Donin

    Chief innovative officer, Sports Tech Global

Panel 11

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SPORT & DEVELOPMENT – MAKING AN IMPACT BEYOND THE GAME

Thursday, Nov 13, 2025 / 10:30 AM – 12:30 AM

  • Main Hall
💡Sport is becoming a key driver of education, employment, and social change across Africa, aligning with broader development goals to empower youth and foster community growth. This session will explore impactful strategies and successful models that harness the power of sport to create lasting social and economic transformation.

  • Carla Vetrovs

    Chief innovative officer, Sports Tech Global

  • Kianna Bator

    Chief innovative officer, Sports Tech Global

  • Cheyenne Stanton

    Chief innovative officer, Sports Tech Global

  • Gretchen Donin

    Chief innovative officer, Sports Tech Global

Panel 12

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SPORTS MEGA-EVENTS AS CATALYSTS FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH

Thursday, Nov 13, 2025 / 10:30 AM – 12:30 AM

  • Main Hall
💡Analyse the long-term economic impact of hosting international sporting events and how Africa is collaborating with global partners. Explore how these events can attract investment, enhance infrastructure, and generate sustainable economic value.

  • Carla Vetrovs

    Chief innovative officer, Sports Tech Global

  • Kianna Bator

    Chief innovative officer, Sports Tech Global

  • Cheyenne Stanton

    Chief innovative officer, Sports Tech Global

  • Gretchen Donin

    Chief innovative officer, Sports Tech Global

Panel 13

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THE NEW ERA OF SPONSORSHIP & MARKETING RIGHTS

Thursday, Nov 13, 2025 / 10:30 AM – 12:30 AM

  • Main Hall
💡Explore how brands and sports properties in Africa can optimize partnerships to drive value and maximize return on investment. This session will focus on emerging trends, strategies for effective collaboration, and innovative approaches to unlocking the full potential of sponsorships in the African sports landscape.

  • Carla Vetrovs

    Chief innovative officer, Sports Tech Global

  • Kianna Bator

    Chief innovative officer, Sports Tech Global

  • Cheyenne Stanton

    Chief innovative officer, Sports Tech Global

  • Gretchen Donin

    Chief innovative officer, Sports Tech Global

Panel 14

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GAME CHANGER – HOW AI IS REVOLUTIONISING SPORTS IN AFRICA

Thursday, Nov 13, 2025 / 10:30 AM – 12:30 AM

  • Main Hall
💡Discover how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing sports in Africa by enhancing performance analytics, improving fan engagement, and driving innovation in the sports business. This session will explore the latest AI applications and their potential to reshape the future of African sports.

  • Carla Vetrovs

    Chief innovative officer, Sports Tech Global

  • Kianna Bator

    Chief innovative officer, Sports Tech Global

  • Cheyenne Stanton

    Chief innovative officer, Sports Tech Global

  • Gretchen Donin

    Chief innovative officer, Sports Tech Global

Fireside Chat 2

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NFL & PFL – CAN MMA, FLAG FOOTBALL & AMERICAN FOOTBALL BE THE NEXT BIG SPORTS PROPERTIES IN AFRICA?

Thursday, Nov 13, 2025 / 10:30 AM – 12:30 AM

  • Main Hall
💡NFL’s Born to Play campaign has made significant waves in Africa, with flag football set for the Olympics and increasing local engagement, signalling major growth ahead. Meanwhile, the Professional Fighters League (PFL), led by Francis Ngannou in Africa, is set to disrupt the MMA landscape, offering a new frontier for African fighters and fans. This fireside chat explores how these global sports powerhouses are shaping Africa’s sports ecosystem and driving innovation across the continent.

  • Carla Vetrovs

    Chief innovative officer, Sports Tech Global

  • Kianna Bator

    Chief innovative officer, Sports Tech Global

  • Cheyenne Stanton

    Chief innovative officer, Sports Tech Global

  • Gretchen Donin

    Chief innovative officer, Sports Tech Global

Panel 15

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BEYOND THE GAME – STADIUM 2.0 AS A SOCIAL & DIGITAL DESTINATION

Thursday, Nov 13, 2025 / 10:30 AM – 12:30 AM

  • Main Hall
💡Africa’s infrastructure gap presents a unique opportunity to create sustainable, inclusive, and digitally connected venues that serve as hubs for entertainment, education, and economic growth. This panel explores how the next generation of stadiums can transform communities and become key drivers of social and economic impact.

  • Carla Vetrovs

    Chief innovative officer, Sports Tech Global

  • Kianna Bator

    Chief innovative officer, Sports Tech Global

  • Cheyenne Stanton

    Chief innovative officer, Sports Tech Global

  • Gretchen Donin

    Chief innovative officer, Sports Tech Global

Panel 16

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TOUCHDOWN AFRICA – THE NFL’S GAME PLAN FOR THE CONTINENT

Thursday, Nov 13, 2025 / 10:30 AM – 12:30 AM

  • Main Hall
💡Explore how the NFL is expanding its footprint in Africa by focusing on talent development, enhancing fan engagement, and creating new business opportunities? This panel will highlight the NFL’s strategies for growing the sport across the continent and building lasting connections with African fans and communities.

  • Carla Vetrovs

    Chief innovative officer, Sports Tech Global

  • Kianna Bator

    Chief innovative officer, Sports Tech Global

  • Cheyenne Stanton

    Chief innovative officer, Sports Tech Global

  • Gretchen Donin

    Chief innovative officer, Sports Tech Global

Panel 17

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FROM LINEAR TO STREAMING – A NEW MODEL FOR SPORTS BROADCASTING IN AFRICA

Thursday, Nov 13, 2025 / 10:30 AM – 12:30 AM

  • Main Hall
💡Explore the transition from traditional linear sports broadcasting to digital streaming in Africa’s young, mobile-first market. This panel will analyse the opportunities and challenges of adapting to a streaming model and its potential to reshape the sports viewing experience across the continent.

  • Carla Vetrovs

    Chief innovative officer, Sports Tech Global

  • Kianna Bator

    Chief innovative officer, Sports Tech Global

  • Cheyenne Stanton

    Chief innovative officer, Sports Tech Global

  • Gretchen Donin

    Chief innovative officer, Sports Tech Global

Panel 18

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SPORTS TOURISM – LEVERAGING SPORTS FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH

Thursday, Nov 13, 2025 / 10:30 AM – 12:30 AM

  • Main Hall
💡Discover how nations can strategically leverage sporting events to drive tourism, create jobs, and generate long-term economic impact. This panel will explore best practices and successful case studies of how sports tourism is fostering sustainable growth and positioning countries as global destinations.

  • Carla Vetrovs

    Chief innovative officer, Sports Tech Global

  • Kianna Bator

    Chief innovative officer, Sports Tech Global

  • Cheyenne Stanton

    Chief innovative officer, Sports Tech Global

  • Gretchen Donin

    Chief innovative officer, Sports Tech Global

Panel 19

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THE INVESTMENT CASE FOR MULTI-SPORT OWNERSHIP STRUCTURES IN AFRICA

Thursday, Nov 13, 2025 / 10:30 AM – 12:30 AM

  • Main Hall

💡This panel will evaluate how owning multiple sports teams or properties in Africa can generate strong returns while fostering the development of local talent pipelines. Experts will discuss the financial benefits, strategic opportunities, and impact on the growth of African sports across various disciplines.

  • Carla Vetrovs

    Chief innovative officer, Sports Tech Global

  • Kianna Bator

    Chief innovative officer, Sports Tech Global

  • Cheyenne Stanton

    Chief innovative officer, Sports Tech Global

  • Gretchen Donin

    Chief innovative officer, Sports Tech Global

Panel 20

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AFRICA ON THE FAST TRACK – BRINGING FORMULA 1 BACK TO THE CONTINENT

Thursday, Nov 13, 2025 / 10:30 AM – 12:30 AM

  • Main Hall
💡Formula 1 is a global powerhouse, but Africa remains without a Grand Prix. This panel will explore what is needed to bring F1 back to the continent, who could host the event, and the commercial and cultural implications of its return. Experts will discuss the strategic, financial, and cultural factors influencing F1’s potential return to Africa.

  • Carla Vetrovs

    Chief innovative officer, Sports Tech Global

  • Kianna Bator

    Chief innovative officer, Sports Tech Global

  • Cheyenne Stanton

    Chief innovative officer, Sports Tech Global

  • Gretchen Donin

    Chief innovative officer, Sports Tech Global

Panel 21

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FIRESIDE CHAT – FROM UNDERDOG TO WORLD CHAMPION: KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA

Thursday, Nov 13, 2025 / 10:30 AM – 12:30 AM

  • Main Hall
💡This fireside chat will explore how Saudi Arabia has rapidly transformed into a global sports powerhouse and what Africa can learn from its strategic rise. Discussions will focus on key lessons in investment, infrastructure development, and leveraging sports to drive national and regional growth.

  • Carla Vetrovs

    Chief innovative officer, Sports Tech Global

  • Kianna Bator

    Chief innovative officer, Sports Tech Global

  • Cheyenne Stanton

    Chief innovative officer, Sports Tech Global

  • Gretchen Donin

    Chief innovative officer, Sports Tech Global

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    SUMMIT

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    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.

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    Mouad Hajji

    World Cup 2030 Lead

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    Desire Koussawo

    SAGES Africa Founder and CEO

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    Adama Gueye

    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    Aida Diarra

    VISA SVP Head of SSA

    Aida Diarra joined Visa as SVP & Head of Sub Saharan Africa in November 2018. In this capacity, she overseas Visa’s business operations in fifty countries and seven offices in Sub Saharan Africa. Her focus is on digitizing cash, driving wider digital acceptance, and promoting financial inclusion in the diverse markets of the region. She is a recognized leader in the financial services and digital finance industries, having previously led Western Union’s Africa portfolio.
    Aida has a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) in International Business & Management from the University of Hartford, as well as a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from American Business School in France.

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    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”.

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    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.