Africa-Press – Rwanda. Recognizing the growing economic potential of Africa’s sports and creative industries, the African Business Angel Network (ABAN) and a coalition of key market stakeholders have introduced an innovative angel investor network.
This initiative seeks to provide essential funding and infrastructure to enable entrepreneurs in these sectors to scale their businesses and compete globally.
Angel investors play a critical role in supporting early-stage startups by offering patient capital, industry-specific expertise, and collaborative strategies that help mitigate investment risks.
According to a study conducted by the Brookings Institute, Africa’s sports industry remains underdeveloped, contributing merely 0.5 percent to the continent’s GDP—far below its 5 percent contribution to the global GDP.
The study, which surveyed 500 African industry players, revealed a widespread lack of understanding of sports-related business dynamics. This knowledge gap has made it difficult for entrepreneurs to secure sponsorships and attract investment.
Additionally, inadequate professional training within the industry was identified as a major challenge impeding the growth of Africa’s sports ecosystem.
Fadilah Tchoumba, CEO of ABAN, emphasized that Africa’s sports and creative industries have the potential to become economic powerhouses, but require investment from financiers who understand their intrinsic value.
“This investor network bridges the divide between capital and creativity, unlocking fresh investment opportunities while strengthening Africa’s global standing in innovation and culture,” she stated.
The network will focus on several key pillars designed to drive industry growth. These include equipping investors with specialized knowledge on due diligence, valuation, and deal structuring within the sports and creative sectors; linking angel investors with promising startups in need of capital; and establishing platforms that facilitate knowledge exchange and partnerships between investors, startups, and other key ecosystem players.
Beyond providing financial backing, the initiative also aims to empower African entrepreneurs by enhancing their skills and expanding their market reach. The network is backed by TRACE, El Carnaval Limited, and PUNUKA Attorneys & Solicitors.
Gwladys Watrin, Vice President of Corporate Development at TRACE, noted that Africa’s sports and creative industries extend beyond mere entertainment, serving as powerful engines for economic expansion, cultural expression, and global storytelling.
Matthew Ohio, Founder of El Carnaval Limited, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the immense talent and potential of African artists—especially in the rapidly evolving digital economy. Having observed this transformation over the past two decades, he expressed confidence in the network’s ability to create transformative economic opportunities for African youth and amplify their creative influence on a global scale.
The official launch of the investor network took place at the Inclusive Fintech Forum 2025, which concluded on February 26. The event gathered over 3,000 attendees, including government officials, policymakers, regulators, technology experts, and investors, among others.
