Legacy Rise Sports CEO Rallies Global Investors to Back Africa’s $20Bn Sports Economy

At the prestigious Africa Business Conference held at Johns Hopkins University in Washington, D.C., the Chief Executive Officer of Legacy Rise Sports, Mr. Sharaf Mahama, made a compelling case for investing in Africa’s sports and entertainment sectors. He described them as critical engines for economic growth, job creation, and the rebranding of Africa on the global stage.

Speaking during a panel on Media, Marketing, and Entertainment, Mr. Mahama described sports and entertainment as Africa’s “modern soft power” — powerful tools for reshaping international perceptions of the continent. “Every time an African athlete or artist makes global headlines, it dismantles outdated stereotypes and tells a story of resilience, talent, and transformation,” he stated. “At Legacy Rise Sports, we support athletes not only to win but to become ambassadors of a new African narrative.”

In a separate pitch to investors, Mr. Mahama highlighted the vast, yet largely untapped, potential of Africa’s sports industry. He noted that although the continent boasts exceptional athletic talent, structured support systems remain inadequate. Legacy Rise Sports, he explained, addresses this gap through elite talent scouting, athlete development, branding, and diaspora-backed investment strategies.

“Africa’s sports economy is projected to exceed US$20 billion by 2035,” he said. “To realize this, we need deliberate investments — not just in athletes, but in the communities that shape them. The African diaspora alone holds over US$1 trillion in spending power, and their involvement could be a game-changer.”

Mr. Mahama also presented key initiatives led by Legacy Rise Sports that reflect its integrated approach to talent development and global visibility. These include:

• The Ultimate Legacy Night – A flagship boxing and entertainment event at Accra’s Bukom Boxing Arena, featuring international artists like Davido and Ghanaian boxing legend Azumah Nelson, drawing thousands of fans and media attention.

• International Athlete Exposure – Supporting young Ghanaian boxers with opportunities to compete in the UK and gain international experience.

• Talent Development Programs – Providing structured mentorship, training, and branding for over 40 young athletes across Ghana.

• Global Advocacy – With outreach initiatives including previous engagements at Harvard University and now Johns Hopkins.

Looking ahead, Legacy Rise Sports plans to expand its athlete training initiatives across all 16 regions of Ghana by 2030. The goal is to not only develop sporting excellence but also generate direct and indirect employment through athlete empowerment, education, and community-based economic development.

Mr. Mahama’s passionate advocacy at the conference was a call to action for investors, governments, and diaspora communities to recognize and invest in Africa’s sports sector as a viable and transformative economic frontier.