Legacy Rise Sports’ CEO, Sharaf Mahama, urged the African diaspora to play a key role in growing Africa’s sports and entertainment industries.
During the April 26th Africa Business Conference at Johns Hopkins University in Washington, D.C., Mr. Mahama highlighted the transformative potential of certain industries to boost Africa’s global standing and local economies.
At a Media, Marketing, and Entertainment panel, Mahama showcased African sports and entertainment as a potent “soft power,” arguing that the international success of African talent counters negative perceptions of the continent. “Every time an African athlete or artist succeeds on the world stage, they break down negative stereotypes about Africa,” Mahama said. “At Legacy Rise Sports, we are committed to supporting our athletes to excel, not only in their sporting careers but also as ambassadors of a new African story—one that is defined by resilience, talent, and opportunity.”
Mahama also spoke on the vital importance of investing in Africa’s sports infrastructure. He highlighted Africa’s abundance of athletic talent, emphasizing insufficient support for young athletes. Using Legacy Rise Sports as an example, he described their initiatives in elite talent scouting, athlete management, and global exposure to bridge the gap. Mahama also urged strategic partnerships focused on athletes and the communities developing them.
His pitch highlighted the African diaspora’s potential contribution to African sports. Citing over US$1 trillion in diaspora spending, Mahama called for investment in Africa’s sporting future. Mahama projected that Africa’s sports economy will exceed US$20 billion by 2035. “But to unlock this potential, we need to create intentional partnerships that invest in athletes and the infrastructure that supports them.”
Mahama discussed many projects, including Legacy Rise Sports initiatives, such as “The Ultimate Legacy Night,” a boxing and entertainment event in Accra that included Davido and Azumah Nelson.
He also highlighted international opportunities for athletes, like sponsorships enabling young Ghanaian boxers to compete globally, for instance, in the UK. A further key initiative is Legacy Rise Sports’ talent development programs, offering mentorship and training to over 40 athletes, focusing on athletic and media branding skills.
Mahama also highlighted the organization’s international collaborations, including partnerships with prestigious universities like Harvard and Johns Hopkins.
Mahama’s vision for Legacy Rise Sports includes expanding its programs to sixteen Ghanaian regions by 2030 and generating thousands of jobs through athlete development.