We are excited to announce the launch of our Sports and Creative Early Stage Investor Network in Africa, which will be launched tomorrow, 26th February 2025, which is also the last Day (Day 3) at this year’s Inclusive Fintech Forum in Kigali, Rwanda.
Why did we launch this network during the Inclusive Fintech Forum?
- The fintech community stands to gain significantly from this announcement, as fintech is the backbone of various business operations. Whether it’s enabling payments for startups in sports merchandise or powering ticket sales for event platforms, fintech solutions are essential for seamless transactions.
- This presents opportunities for fintech startups to expand their reach, integrate with new industries, and drive innovation. By supporting these activities, fintech stakeholders can unlock new partnerships, enhance financial accessibility, and strengthen their role in the broader business ecosystem.
Who are our 3 consortium partners in this network?
Africa’s Sports and Creative industries are thriving, yet a funding gap keeps startups from scaling globally. To change this, we at ABAN, alongside TRACE, El Carnaval Limited, and Punuka Attorneys & Solicitors, have launched Africa’s Sports & Creative Early Stage Investor Network, a network dedicated to mobilizing angel investment and unlocking new opportunities for high-growth startups and the first of its kind on the continent. By contributing to this new network:
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TRACE brings its vast network and expertise in talent development, having worked with major artists and content creators across the continent.
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El Carnaval Limited, a staple in the African entertainment scene, continues to shape the music, fashion, and digital content landscapes. Their deep industry connections and track record of hosting influential platforms for creative professionals are crucial to this initiative’s success.
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PUNUKA Attorneys & Solicitors, a leading law firm committed to fostering innovation and investment, brings its extensive experience in legal and business advisory to ensure a robust foundation for investors and startups.
The launch of this investor network marks an important moment for ABAN and Africa’s Sports and Creative Industries as an entity. These sectors, rich in untapped potential, are set for exponential growth, but they require a tailored approach to investment, one that recognizes their unique challenges and opportunities.
This network is the missing piece that will enable these industries to thrive – Yemi Keri, ABAN President.
The launch of this investor network will bridge the gap between capital and creativity, unlocking new investment opportunities while strengthening Africa’s position as a global leader in innovation and culture – Fadilah Tchoumba, CEO of ABAN.
At TRACE, we believe in the power of African creativity and its ability to shape the world. That’s why we are honored to be part of this movement to bridge the funding gap, empower bold entrepreneurs, and ensure that African talent not only thrives locally but also commands its rightful place on the global stage – Gwladys Watrin, Vice President of Corporate Development, TRACE
Having observed the incredible talent and potential of African artists over the last 20 years, especially in the context of the growing digital economy, I am confident that, together, we can create transformative economic opportunities for African youth and amplify their creative impact on a global scale – Matthew Ohio, Founder, El Carnaval Limited
We see this collaboration as an opportunity to continue to offer high-quality advisory services to investors seeking to fund Africa’s creative and cultural industries in a sustainable manner that deepens their ecosystems – Isioma Idigbe, Partner, PUNUKA Attorneys & Solicitors
Read this press release to find out more about the four operational pillars this network will focus on, and how each of the pillars is designed to drive growth and support for the sector!
