In a move to spotlight Africa's dynamic sports economy and position the continent as the next frontier for global sports investment, Rwanda Events, in partnership with the Rwanda Convention Bureau, hosted a networking event on May 27 at The Chedi – Katara Hotel & Resort. The event served as a strategic international activation ahead of the second edition of the SportsBiz Africa Forum (SBA2025), to be held in Kigali, Rwanda from September 9–10, 2025.

The Doha activation brought together a group of stakeholders from Qatar’s thriving sports, investment, and innovation ecosystems. The evening featured presentations, a panel discussion, and a first look at SBA’s 2025 initiatives, under the theme of sport as a catalyst for sustainable development. The forum aligns closely with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 8) and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

“Rwanda Events is committed to promoting inclusive industry growth, sustainable development, and the use of sport as a tool for socioeconomic progress,” said Mr. Christian Gakwaya, CEO of Rwanda Events, in his opening remarks. “That’s why we’re here, not just to celebrate sport—but to spark partnerships, unlock capital, and explore the tremendous untapped potential of Africa’s sports economy.”

A highlight of the evening was a panel discussion titled “Africa: The Next Sports Investment Frontier.” The conversation unpacked Africa’s readiness to attract and sustain investment in sports infrastructure, talent development, and innovation. The event also introduced SBA2025’s Dealroom, a new platform designed to connect investors with high-potential ventures across the sports ecosystem, and previewed an education program led by the Johan Cruyff Institute, which will equip young African professionals with the skills to build and scale sports-related businesses.

As interest and anticipation for SBA2025 continue to build, participants in Doha expressed strong enthusiasm for the Kigali forum; not only as a marketplace of ideas and investment, but as a critical platform for shaping Africa’s sports narrative on a global stage.

The gathering emphasized deepening ties between Rwanda and Qatar, underscoring shared ambitions to shape the global sports agenda through investment, knowledge exchange, and strategic cooperation.

To learn more about SBA2025 and how to participate, visit www.sportsbiz.africa.