Sports – Africa's new economic "gold mine"

According to the Vietnam News Agency correspondent in Africa, sports are being viewed by many African countries as a new engine for economic growth, job creation, and promoting international cooperation, rather than simply as a field of entertainment or competitive achievement.

Leaders play football as part of the Africa-France Summit at the University of Nairobi on May 11. Photo: PCS

This message was emphasized by African and French leaders at the discussion session "Africa Towards the Future: Sport for Sustainable Development" within the framework of the Africa-France Summit held in Nairobi, Kenya.

At this event, French President Emmanuel Macron, along with Kenyan President William Ruto, Botswana President Duma Boko, and Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, engaged in discussions with young athletes, entrepreneurs, and policymakers about the growing role of sport in promoting innovation, strengthening solidarity, and expanding cooperation for development between nations.

Speaking at the conference, Kenyan President William Ruto stated that sports have now become an economic sector capable of driving infrastructure development, businesses, and the livelihoods of millions of Africans.

Meanwhile, Botswana President Duma Boko views sport as a strategic tool to enhance Africa's standing on the international stage, while also expanding exchanges and cooperation with global partners.

Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye stated that preparations for the 2026 Dakar Youth Olympics have created over 132,000 jobs through sports infrastructure projects, demonstrating the direct economic impact this sector can have.

This year's Africa-France Summit brought together more than 30 heads of state and around 1,500 business leaders, focusing on topics such as investment cooperation, innovation, and sustainable development, with sports emerging as a field of particular interest to many countries.

NGUYEN AN

Source: https://baocantho.com.vn/the-thao-mo-vang-kinh-te-moi-cua-chau-phi-a204471.html