Investing in Sports: A Key to Africa’s Future, Leaders Say at Mombasa Roundtable
The Aga Khan Academy in Mombasa was the setting for a high-level roundtable discussion focused on the theme, Investing in Sports, Africa’s Future. The event, hosted by Mchezo Sponsorship, brought together East African leaders, policymakers, and sports stakeholders to explore the transformative power of sports as both a unifying force and an economic catalyst for the continent.
Hon. Kanini Kega, Chairperson of Sports in the East African Legislative Assembly, opened the discussions with a powerful statement on the role of sports in fostering regional unity. He noted that the East Africa Parliamentary Games, a flagship initiative aimed at deepening integration across the region, exemplifies how sports can bring people together beyond the playing field. “Through sports, we forge connections as players and as a community,” Hon. Kega said. “When one of us qualifies for an international competition, we rally behind them as an East African family.”
Despite acknowledging the financial challenges faced by regional sports initiatives, Hon. Kega expressed optimism about the region’s growing influence in the global sports arena, emphasizing that continued collaboration would help overcome existing hurdles.
Hon. Beatrice Adagala, Women Representative for Vihiga County, took a legislative perspective, calling for stronger frameworks to support sports development at both regional and local levels. “As lawmakers, we must enact policies that promote sports not only in our capitals but also in our counties,” she said. Hon. Adagala highlighted the ongoing efforts in Mombasa, where sports are being integrated into local economic development, positioning the city as a model for the rest of the region.
Mr. Ntoudi Mouyelo, Managing Director of Mchezo Sponsorship, summed up the day’s discussions with a compelling call to action. He stressed that Africa’s untapped potential in sports is a “goldmine” that requires strategic investment to realize. “Africa is rich in talent, but we must invest deliberately and holistically to harness that potential,” he remarked.
The conversation underscored the need for a multi-sectoral approach involving governments, the private sector, and local communities. Stakeholders were united in their belief that sports can play a pivotal role in reshaping Africa’s socioeconomic future—promoting unity, driving economic growth, and developing a vibrant, globally competitive sports industry.
The event concluded with renewed enthusiasm and a collective commitment to invest in sports as a cornerstone for Africa’s growth, not just in terms of talent, but as a driver of regional stability and economic opportunity.
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