(Posted 21st November 2024)
The postponement is in recognition of the current onboarding exercise of the National Sports Commission, a co-host of the summit, and the organizational/leadership transition following the winding up of the defunct sports ministry
The organisers of the Sports Africa Investment Summit (SAIS), in collaboration with the National Sports Commission (NSC), have announced the rescheduling of the highly anticipated summit from November 2024 to the first quarter of 2025. This decision reflects a shared commitment to delivering a world-class event that maximises public sector participation, fosters strategic collaborations, and showcases Africa’s vast sports investment opportunities.
The postponement is in recognition of the current onboarding exercise of the National Sports Commission, a co-host of the summit, and the organizational/leadership transition following the winding up of the defunct sports ministry and the ongoing organization/structuring of the NSC for seamless take-off.
The NSC leadership intends to fully mobilise resources and provide strategic input necessary to align the summit with its renewed vision for sports development in Nigeria and position both host parties to deliver a befitting Investment Summit experience to our African and global partners.
Speaking on the development, Mallam Shehu Dikko stated:
“The National Sports Commission is committed to shaping a sustainable and inclusive sports ecosystem in Nigeria. This postponement reflects our desire to ensure robust public sector engagement, align the summit with our renewed vision and be on a surer footing to host Africa. The additional time will enable us to strategically mobilise resources, foster collaborations, and demonstrate leadership in the sports investment space.”
The organisers and stakeholders remain steadfast in their vision of igniting a new era of growth in Africa’s sports sector. This additional planning period will allow for the development of a comprehensive and impactful summit program that emphasises investment opportunities in sports infrastructure, talent development, and the sports industrialisation agenda.
Ms. Nkechi Obi, CEO of Sport Nigeria, emphasised the significance of this decision:
“SAIS has always been about creating the most impactful platform for discussions and collaborations in Africa’s sports sector. This postponement enables us to tap into the new leadership and energy at the NSC, ensuring a more inclusive and successful contribution from the private sector- a key stakeholder in the development of the sports industry.”
The Sports Africa Investment Summit remains focused on catalysing transformative investments that will propel the continent’s sports industry to new heights. From modern stadiums and world-class training facilities to locally manufactured sports goods, the summit seeks to drive sustainable economic growth through sports.
The exact new summit date in the first quarter of 2025 will be announced in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, organisers are committed to engaging with stakeholders and refining the summit agenda to deliver a world-class experience.
