By ASVG Media
African Collaborations Group Founding CEO Paulo J. Cruz has called for a fundamental rethink of how sports infrastructure is originated, financed and operated across Africa, arguing that facilities must function as productive economic assets rather than costly monuments to one-time events. Speaking after being recognized by Sustainable Investments and Alliances for Africa (SIA), Cruz described infrastructure as the prerequisite for industrializing African sport because athletes need places to train and compete, governing bodies require internationally compliant venues, and broadcasters, sponsors and event organizers depend on facilities capable of generating commercial value. Without functioning infrastructure and professional operations, he argued, the wider sports value chain—including events, media rights, sponsorship, hospitality and athlete development—cannot reach its potential.
The central challenge is therefore not simply building more stadiums, but developing integrated, commercially sustainable sports and entertainment ecosystems that operate throughout the year. By connecting venues with training facilities, retail, hospitality, entertainment, media production and community services, African cities can transform sports infrastructure from a recurring public liability into an engine for investment, employment and long-term economic growth.
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