SPORTS AND INFRASTRUCTURE IN AFRICA
By Macaulay Maduwuba , Lagos , Nigeria
Africa “ must have a profitable sports value chain .” Those were words quoted by and attributed to Akinwunmi Adesina , President of the African Development Bank , at the Africa Investment Forum in November 2019 .
“ For Africa to profit from the sports value chain , we must invest in our sports systems and infrastructure – it is the infrastructures that develop the athletes , providing them with trainings , and connect the fans and community – provide them with the thrill and comfort at sports venues .” Those are my words .
In that 2019 Forum , Mr . Adesina added that “ We have to export our talents . We need to have a profitable sport value chain .” And to achieve that , there must “ be a massive investment in sports infrastructure across Africa because I think it is time for Africa to stop sending its talents away ”. Mr . Adesina is an investment Banker who has been head of the AFDB for five years in his first term and recently , was reelected to still lead that institution for a second term .
C O N T ' D O N P 3 8 .
When an Investment banker with international experience in private and public institutions – he was Nigeria ’ s Minister for Agriculture – opines that sports infrastructure is essential in the development of African sports and its talents , then , it is a fact .
Due to the dearth of infrastructure in the continent , fine talents are lost to countries with better systems , structures and organisation .
Africa ’ s best are lured by the standard over there while others are bought off , and the infrastructural standardization has helped them grow , develop and become better in their trade .
Ngolo Kante is a notable footballer from Mali whose parents left the West African nation for greener pastures in France . It was until he left for France that his talent was developed turning him into one of the best central midfielders in the world .
As it happens with most African exports who escape the debacle of poor infrastructure for greater chances at fulfillment in countries of
“ Africa must have a profitable sports value
chain .”
Akinwunmi Adesina President of the AfDB
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