Chairman Message
A Perfect Setting for Africa Game Time Summit
From the Chairman's Desk: A Message of Inspiration & Opportunity
Will Mbiakop, Executive Chairman, Africa Game Time Summit
Dear Partners, Game Changers and Friends,
It is with great excitement and a profound sense of purpose that I welcome you to the Africa Game Time Summit, a groundbreaking platform where the vibrant world of African sports and business converge. Our summit represents more than just an event; it is a dynamic hub for innovation, collaboration, and the realization of Africa’s immense potential in the global sports industry.
Highlights
- Africa Sports Business Expert, Enhancer, Galvaniser.
- 20+ years of experience in the US, Europe, Middle East, and Africa, including 10 years at NBA Africa.
- Designed and led the most innovative and impactful sports business deals in Africa as well as sports-for-development programs benefiting youth and communities.
- Strategic advisor to premiere financial organisations, DFI and blue-chip corporations looking to invest in sports for marketing purposes, CSR or equity acquisition.
- Developing the Africa Sports Investment Fund.
- Developing the Africa Sports Investment Fund.
- Sought-after Speaker and Moderator at major summits and conferences.
- Regular contributor to world-class media: CNN, Bloomberg, CNBC, Africa24, France24, Brut, VOA, TV5 Monde.
- Author of 2 books: Africa Sports Industry: Understanding the Game & Economie du Sport en Afrique: Réalités, défis et opportunités.
Africa’s sports ecosystem is at a transformative juncture. With billions of dollars being invested in infrastructure, talent, and initiatives across the continent, the industry stands as a beacon of socio-economic opportunity. From Morocco’s world-class infrastructure to Ghana’s Right to Dream Academy and the growing prominence of NBA Africa, these developments demonstrate the limitless possibilities when passion meets purpose.
The Africa Game Time Summit embodies this spirit. Over two days, we will bring together 200 of the most influential sports leaders, visionaries, and innovators from both the private and public sectors. Together, we will celebrate African success stories, forge strategic partnerships, and shape the future of sports on the continent. With a program designed to inspire action, our summit features impactful conferences, workshops, and a dedicated deal room “Under the Baobab” to connect entrepreneurs and investors.
Hosted in the beautiful Kingdom of Morocco during the Africa Cup of Nations, the summit also serves as a testament to Africa’s rich cultural heritage and its readiness to lead on the global stage. With cutting-edge sessions on sports tech, fan engagement, sustainable development, and more, we aim to highlight Africa’s role as a catalyst for growth and innovation.
None of this would be possible without the unwavering support of our partners, sponsors, and stakeholders. I extend my deepest gratitude for your commitment to this vision and invite you to be part of this transformative journey.
Let’s seize this moment to turn Africa’s sports dreams into reality. Together, we can create a legacy of impact and excellence that will echo for generations to come.
Warm regards,
Will Mbiakop
Executive Chairman, Africa Game Time Summit
Biography
Will Mbiakop is a global expert in sports and entertainment with over 20 years of experience, including 10 years at NBA Africa. Renowned for his work in emerging markets like Africa and the Middle East, he specializes in sports business, investment, branding, e-sports, and youth development. Will has led impactful initiatives, including the Africa Sports Investment Fund, and played a pivotal role in using sports as a tool for sustainable development.
An accomplished author of Africa Sports Industry: Understanding the Game and curator of Africa Sports Industry Updates (ASCI), Will is a regular contributor to global media like CNN and Bloomberg. As a sought-after speaker and moderator, he has featured at leading events, including the OECD Africa Forum, NBA Africa Innovation Summit, and World Bank seminars.