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East Africa Frontline News

NextFrontier Africa is a media platform spotlighting Africa’s emerging opportunities in technology, tourism, aviation, agriculture, health, logistics, real estate, trade, education, and e-commerce.

May 15.2025

2 Minutes Read

Investing in Rugby Across Africa: What Can Be Done Now?

Invest in Rugby Across Africa: Intense match with African teams

Rugby Investment: A Growing Opportunity in Africa

The passion for rugby across the African continent is palpable. From Cape Town's bustling stadiums to local fields in Madagascar, the sport's popularity is surging. Recent insights from Rugby Africa President Herbert Mensah reveal an urgent call for investment in rugby, especially in nations where the sport is gaining traction but lacks funding.

Why Rugby? The Benefits of Investment

Mensah emphasizes that rugby is more than just a game; it embodies values that build a cohesive society. By investing in rugby, countries can foster community-building and discipline among youth. Countries like Morocco have showcased that sports funding—over 1% of GDP—can transform the landscape of athletics. With similar funding models, African nations could witness a boom in rugby associations and grassroots movements.

The Status Quo: A Challenge for Growth

While the Springboks remain iconic in global rugby, Mensah notes that most African nations lag in terms of resources. In stark contrast to England's significant funding of over 150 million pounds for rugby development, Africa—excluding South Africa—only receives around two million dollars annually. This financial imbalance stifles potential growth and competition.

Fostering Government Partnerships

To catalyze change, Mensah advocates for stronger alliances with governments and the utilization of funds like the Olympic solidarity fund. The potential benefits are immense, providing a structured approach to develop grassroots rugby that can translate surprise test match locations into vibrant competitions. Countries such as Uganda, Ghana, and Ivory Coast are rising in their investment efforts, setting examples for others.

Looking Ahead: Actionable Steps for Rugby Growth

Understanding the need for innovation within Rugby Africa is crucial. “We need to be creative,” states Mensah, calling for out-of-the-box strategies to engage more stakeholders. By aligning commercial opportunities with sports, the continent can harness the resources of e-commerce and trade more effectively, ultimately creating a robust digital economy that supports all athletes.

As we reflect on the immense opportunities rugby presents in Africa, the call to action becomes clear. Stakeholders from various sectors must unite to leverage sports as a vehicle for social change, commerce, and youth engagement. If you’re a part of the e-commerce or trade arena, consider how supporting rugby initiatives could yield benefits not only for the sport but for society as a whole.

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Investing in Rugby Across Africa: What Can Be Done Now?

Rugby Investment: A Growing Opportunity in Africa

Why Rugby? The Benefits of Investment

The Status Quo: A Challenge for Growth

Fostering Government Partnerships

Looking Ahead: Actionable Steps for Rugby Growth

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