The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) has been announced as co-host of the 2026 Sports Africa Investment Summit (SAIS), a partnership aimed at advancing sports as a major contributor to economic growth and sustainable development across Nigeria and the continent.

Sport Nigeria Ltd/GTE, organisers of SAIS, confirmed the collaboration in Lagos, noting that the NESG’s involvement reinforces the rising recognition of sports as a strategic sector with potential for investment, job creation, and industrial expansion.

The NESG, widely regarded as Nigeria’s leading private-sector policy think tank, is expected to play a central role in shaping high-level engagements at the summit. Its contributions will include facilitating experts from its network, leading a special session through its Tourism, Hospitality, Entertainment, Creatives and Sports (THECCS) Policy Commission, and supporting conversations on integrating sports into national and continental development frameworks.

SAIS 2026, scheduled for February 10–11 at the Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island, will convene policymakers, investors, development institutions, and professionals in the sports business sector. Themed “Africa’s Sports Future: Finance and Investment Strategies to Unlock Infrastructure and Trade Opportunities,” the summit will focus on unlocking economic and social value within Africa’s fast-growing sports ecosystem.

The two-day event will feature keynote presentations, panel discussions, and networking sessions designed to connect innovators and investors while promoting strategic financing models for sports infrastructure and development.

The Sports Africa Investment Summit is an annual platform led by Sport Nigeria to foster a sustainable sports industry through infrastructure development, partnerships, and investment. The summit highlights how sports can contribute to economic transformation across Africa.