Herbert Mensah to speak at Afreximbank meetings
Rugby Africa president Herbert Mensah is set to join policymakers, business leaders, and financial executives at the 33rd Afreximbank Annual Meetings in Egypt, where he will highlight the growing role of sport in Africa’s industrial and economic development.
Mensah received an invitation from Prof. George Elombi, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the African Export-Import Bank, to participate in the event scheduled from June 21 to 24 in El-Alamein under the patronage of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.
The Rugby Africa chief will serve as a panelist during a high-level discussion focused on the relationship between sports development and industrial growth across the continent.
Sport and industry linked
Mensah will participate in the panel titled “From Africa’s Factories to the Pitch: Sports as a Conduit to Africa’s Industrialisation,” which is scheduled for June 22.
The discussion will examine how Africa can move beyond being a consumer market for imported sporting goods and instead build stronger domestic industries tied to the sports ecosystem.
Panelists are expected to explore opportunities in manufacturing sports apparel, equipment, stadium technologies, broadcasting systems, fitness products, and sports medicine supplies.
The session aligns with the broader theme of the 2026 Annual Meetings, “Intra-African Trade and Industrialisation: Pathway to Economic Sovereignty,” which seeks to promote stronger economic integration and industrial development across the continent.
According to event organizers, the meetings will bring together African and Caribbean heads of state, ministers, central bank governors, business executives, academics, and leaders of major financial institutions.
Economic opportunity highlighted
The invitation reflects growing recognition of sport as a major economic driver across Africa and globally.
Industry estimates place the global sports apparel market at approximately $230 billion, with projections indicating it could grow to $325 billion by 2034. Africa’s sports apparel market is estimated at around $30 billion but remains heavily reliant on imported products.
Mensah believes the continent can capture a larger share of that economic value through domestic production and stronger industrial capacity.
“I am honoured to accept President Elombi’s invitation. Sport is one of Africa’s most powerful and most underestimated economic assets,” Mensah said.
“Every jersey, every ball, and every stadium represents jobs, skills, and industries that can and should be built on this continent. Rugby is growing faster in Africa than almost anywhere in the world, and that growth must translate into factories, value chains, and opportunity for African people.”
Beyond his role as Rugby Africa president, Mensah serves as an Executive Board member of World Rugby and chairs World Rugby Regions, which brings together the leaders of rugby’s six continental governing bodies.
His participation is expected to provide a global perspective on how sports development can contribute to Africa’s long-term economic ambitions while supporting broader goals of industrialisation and economic sovereignty.
