Ghana’s Minister of Sports, Hon. Kofi Iddie Adams, has called for structural reforms to ensure Africa benefits more from its vast sporting talent, warning that the continent continues to lose economic value despite producing world-class athletes.

Speaking during discussions at the 8th AIPS Africa Congress in Banjul, Adams noted that Africa remains a global powerhouse in sports talent but fails to fully capitalise on it economically.

“Africa is home to some of the world’s most gifted athletes,” he said, adding that while African footballers, runners and combat sports athletes excel internationally, “the economic values of these players are largely realised outside the continent.”

The Ghanaian sports minister also highlighted the financial imbalance in global sports consumption, pointing out that African spending largely benefits foreign markets.

“African fans spend on sports every day, and much of the spendings flow to foreign leagues, foreign broadcasters, foreign betting platforms, and foreign brands,” Adams said. “We export talents cheaply and consume foreign sports expensively.”

Addressing mobility challenges, Adams described visa restrictions as a major barrier to continental sports development.

“Intra-African visa challenges continue to undermine sports within the continent,” he noted, stressing that athletes, officials, journalists and fans struggle to move freely across borders.

“A continent that cannot move its athletes and fans easily, cannot deal with an integrated sports market.”

Hon. Kofi Iddie Adams remarks added to growing calls at the congress for policy reforms, regional cooperation and investment aimed at strengthening Africa’s sports economy and media landscape.

By Ebrima KB Sonko