Unlocking the potential of sports in Africa

How can sport contribute to Africa’s development–and what will it take to realize its potential?

Published jointly by Agence Française de Développement, the World Bank, and the International Olympic Committee, this report brings together original research on sports participation, consumption, employment, and development impacts across Africa. In parallel, it examines sport’s place in everyday life and its potential to advance health, education, livelihoods, and social inclusion.

Sport’s contribution to development is neither automatic nor uniform: outcomes depend on how policies and programs are designed, delivered, and adapted to local contexts. By identifying both opportunities and barriers, the report offers practical recommendations for policymakers, development partners, practitioners, and the private sector. It sets out pathways to broaden access, strengthen the sports economy, and make sport a more effective contributor to inclusive development across the continent.