Game Time Africa

Rabat-Morocco

15 – 16 January 2026

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Under the Baobab

At the heart of Day 2 of the Game Time Africa Summit, Under the Baobab event is where vision meets venture capital. Designed as a powerful business accelerator and capital mobilization platform, this dynamic, high-stakes session will bring together Africa’s most promising sport-based entrepreneurs and a panel of leading African and global investors – all ready to do business.

Inspired by the Baobab tree’s traditional role as a place of community gathering, decision-making, and wisdom-sharing, this forum is a space for founders and funders to connect, pitch, and grow.

AFRICA’S INVESTMENT ARENA FOR SPORT-BASED VENTURES

Game Time Africa

What is it

Under the Baobab Tree is a Shark Tank-style pitch arena where high-growth, sports-adjacent businesses take centre stage to present their ventures to a panel of seasoned investors. This is not a demo. This is a deal room, it is Game Time!

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Investment Destinations

Whether you’re building the future of African sportstech, fan engagement platforms, performance data tools, media, gaming and esports, tourism, talent development, infrastructure, sportswear brands, or stadium infrastructure services – this is your chance to unlock growth capital, strategic mentorship, and global visibility. Apply Now

Who Can Apply

We’re looking for sport-driven ventures ready to scale – with clear traction and business discipline. Eligibility Criteria:

  • Must be Africa-based and operating within the broader sports value chain (media, events, wellness, tech, performance, manufacturing, infrastructure, etc.)
  • Must have minimum three years of audited financial statements
  • Must demonstrate scalable business potential, solid leadership, and a clear vision for growth
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Successful Applicants will recieve:

  • Access to curated pre-summit investment readiness workshops
  • Exposure to key investors, corporate buyers, and media
  • On-stage pitching opportunity at Under the Baobab Tree

Interested in Pitching or Investing?

Applications for pitching entrepreneurs are now open. Investor participation is by invitation and referral. For more information, contact:

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Game Time Africa Summit

Where Africa Sports Business Makes Deals Happen

MEET THE JURY: AFRICAN & INTERNTIONAL INVESTORS

Game Time Africa

  • PUBLIC AND PRIVATE INVESTORS

    We are bringing together top-level investors from the continent, the diaspora and more. These capital providers are looking to deploy funding into the next generation of sport innovation on the continent – Under the Baobab Tree is their front-row seat.

  • PATIENT CAPITAL

    Investors include a high-powered mix of:

    • Private equity firms.
    • Public development banks.
    • Family offices.
    • Strategic Corporate Investors.
    • Angel Investors.

  • INVESTING IN THE NEXT AFRICA SPORTS UNICORNS

    Investing in the rising corporations to develop the next generation of Africa sports unicorns. The verticals of interest include Sports Tech, media, gaming and E-Sports, tourism, talent development, infrastructure, and more.

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under the baobab 3

WHY IT MATTERS

    • This is more than just a pitch. It’s a launchpad for founders who want to scale bold ideas, enter new markets, and attract meaningful investment.
    • With Africa’s sport economy forecasted to grow into a multi-billion-dollar industry and youth, digital, and innovation driving this rapid growth – Under the Baobab Tree is where we plant the seeds of the next generation of game-changing businesses.

JOIN INVESTORS IN THE DEAL ROOM “UNDER THE BAOBAB”

baobab@gametime.africa

Contact Us

SUMMIT

frequently asked questions

Game Time Africa

How can one apply to join the Baobab Program?

Africa-based entrepreneurs, sports-focused, with a minimum of 3 years of activities, demonstrating scalable business potential.

Email us now at baobab@gametime.africa

Who are the investors?

A mix of public (development banks, national banks, sovereign funds) and private investors (family offices, PE, VC) from Africa and international.

When will the successful entrepreneurs be notified?

Wednesday 24th December 2025

Who is paying for flight and accommodation?

Entrepreneurs are paying for all their logistics. Our team will help facilitate.

Do successful entrepreneurs have access to summit?

Upon registration and payment of the summit fees, entrepreneurs will have access to the summit.

When do I get in Rabat, Morocco?

We encourage entrepreneurs to arrive, the latest, on Wednesday 14th January 2026 as the summit starts on 15th January 2026.

When is the Baobab event?

The Deal room takes place on Friday 16th January 2026.

What is the minimum and maximum ticket size?

Minimum investment requirement: $100K

Maximum investment requirement: No limit

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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.

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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.

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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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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.

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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.