Legacy Rise Sports CEO Sharaf Mahama has made a compelling case for transforming Africa’s global image and economic prospects through strategic investment in sports and entertainment.
Speaking at the Africa Business Conference hosted by Johns Hopkins University in Washington, D.C., Mr. Mahama described these industries as Africa’s modern-day “soft power,” capable of reshaping narratives and unlocking billions in economic potential.
During a panel on Media, Marketing, and Entertainment, Mahama emphasized that every African success story on the global sports or music stage defies outdated perceptions of the continent.
“Every time an African athlete or artist succeeds on the world stage, they challenge outdated narratives about Africa,” he said. “At Legacy Rise Sports, we support our athletes to thrive both on and off the field, as ambassadors of a new African story—one of resilience, talent, and opportunity.”
In a separate pitch to investors, Mahama spotlighted the lack of structured support systems for young African athletes, despite the continent’s deep talent pool. He detailed how Legacy Rise Sports is addressing this gap by integrating elite scouting, athlete branding, and global exposure, with backing from diaspora-led investment.
“Africa’s sports economy is projected to surpass $20 billion by 2035,” he noted. “But to reach that milestone, we need intentional partnerships that invest in athletes and the communities that nurture them.”
Mahama pointed to the over $1 trillion in spending power held by the African diaspora as a key catalyst for sports-led development across the continent. He invited global investors to align with the mission of Legacy Rise Sports, showcasing its recent milestones:
Ultimate Legacy Night, a high-profile boxing and entertainment event in Accra featuring Davido and boxing legend Azumah Nelson.
International Exposure, sponsoring young Ghanaian boxers to compete in the UK.
Talent Development Programs serving more than 40 athletes with structured mentorship and media training.
Global Advocacy, including recent engagements at Harvard and now Johns Hopkins University.
Looking ahead, Mahama outlined plans to expand athlete development programs across all 16 regions of Ghana by 2030 and create job opportunities through athlete education and empowerment.
“Africa is rich in talent. What we need now is the infrastructure, the investment, and the belief,” Mahama concluded.
