Doha, Qatar – A diverse group of stakeholders from Qatar’s fast-growing sports, investment, and innovation sectors recently gathered in Doha to explore opportunities set to unfold at the SportsBiz Africa Forum 2025 (SBA2025), scheduled for September 9–10 in Kigali, Rwanda.

The networking event, organized by Rwanda Events in partnership with the Rwanda Convention Bureau, was designed to foster partnerships, promote investment opportunities, and share insights into the latest developments shaping Africa’s sports and business landscape in the lead-up to SBA2025.

The evening featured keynote presentations, a dynamic panel discussion, and an exclusive preview of SBA2025 initiatives under the theme “Sport as a Catalyst for Sustainable Development.”

A key highlight of the event was the emphasis on deepening ties between Rwanda and Qatar, with both nations sharing ambitions to shape the global sports agenda through strategic cooperation, knowledge exchange, and long-term investment in talent and infrastructure.

Speaking on the vision behind SBA2025, Christian Gakwaya, CEO of Rwanda Events, remarked:

“Rwanda Events is committed to promoting inclusive industry growth, sustainable development, and the use of sport as a driver for socio-economic progress. SBA2025 is not just about celebrating sport—it is about sparking partnerships, unlocking capital, and unleashing the immense untapped potential of Africa’s sports economy.”

The panel discussion, titled “Africa: The Next Sports Investment Frontier,” examined the continent’s readiness to attract and sustain investment in critical areas such as sports infrastructure, talent development, and innovation.

Among the major initiatives previewed was The Dealroom, a new investment platform connecting investors with curated, high-potential ventures across Africa’s sports ecosystem. Alongside this, the SBA Education Programme, developed in partnership with the Johan Cruyff Institute, will provide young African professionals with specialized training in strategic management, sports marketing, and financial management, equipping the next generation to lead the industry into a new era.

Gakwaya noted that stakeholders in Doha expressed “strong enthusiasm” for SBA2025, describing the Forum as a “marketplace of ideas and investment” and a critical platform for shaping Africa’s sports narrative on the global stage.

With interest and anticipation continuing to build, the Kigali-hosted Forum promises to be a milestone in positioning Africa as the next frontier for global sports investment and innovation.

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