Sharaf Mahama calls for diaspora investment to fuel Africa’s sports growth at Johns Hopkins Conference
The Chief Executive Officer of Legacy Rise Sports, Sharaf Mahama has called for the African diaspora to play a crucial role in the development of Africa’s sports and entertainment sectors.
Mr Mahama made this known at the Africa Business Conference hosted by Johns Hopkins University in Washington DC on April 26, where he emphasized that these industries hold immense potential to reshape the continent's global image and create substantial economic opportunities for local communities.
During a panel discussion on Media, Marketing, and Entertainment, Mahama highlighted sports and entertainment as Africa’s “modern soft power,” illustrating how the global success of African athletes and artists challenges outdated perceptions of the continent.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 addressed the critical need for investment in the African sports ecosystem. He pointed out that despite Africa’s wealth of talent, young athletes often lack the necessary support to succeed. Through Legacy Rise Sports, he outlined how the organization is bridging this gap with initiatives focused on elite talent scouting, athlete management, and global exposure. Mahama also called for strategic partnerships that prioritize both the athletes and the communities that nurture them.
A key part of his pitch was the role the African diaspora can play in realizing Africa's sports potential. With over US$1 trillion in spending power, Mahama urged diasporan communities to invest in Africa’s sports future. “The potential for Africa’s sports economy is projected to exceed US$20 billion by 2035,” Mahama noted. “But to unlock this potential, we need to create intentional partnerships that invest in athletes and the infrastructure that supports them.”
Mahama highlighted several of Legacy Rise Sports' ongoing initiatives, including “The Ultimate Legacy Night,” a popular boxing and entertainment event at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra, which featured prominent artists like Davido and boxing legend Azumah Nelson. He also pointed to international athlete exposure, such as sponsorships that allow young Ghanaian boxers to compete on international stages, including in the United Kingdom. Another key initiative is Legacy Rise Sports’ talent development programs, which provide mentorship and training to over 40 athletes, with a focus on both their athletic and media branding. Mahama further emphasized the organization’s global outreach efforts, which have extended to engagements at renowned institutions such as Harvard University and Johns Hopkins University.
Looking toward the future, Mahama revealed plans for Legacy Rise Sports to expand its programs to 16 regions of Ghana by 2030, aiming to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs through athlete education and empowerment.
