Sports - Africa

  • Africa
  • Revenue in the Sports market is projected to reach US$3,855.00m in 2025.
  • Revenue is expected to show an annual growth rate (CAGR 2025-2029) of 2.85%, resulting in a projected market volume of US$4,313.00m by 2029.
  • In global comparison, most revenue will be generated in the United States (US$52,770.00m in 2025).
  • The average revenue per user (ARPU) in the Sports market is projected to amount to US$47.43 in 2025.
 
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Analyst Opinion

The Sports Market in Africa is experiencing nominal growth due to factors such as low overall interest in sports, limited access to digital technologies, and lack of awareness about the convenience of online services. Soccer remains the dominant sub-market, but its growth is hindered by limited resources for infrastructure and training programs. American Football and Basketball have gained some traction, but face challenges with finding suitable venues and equipment. Baseball and Cricket have niche followings, but struggle to attract mainstream attention and investment.

Customer preferences:
The growing popularity of community-based and grassroots sports initiatives reflects a broader desire for inclusivity and participation in African society. This trend towards diverse and accessible sports programs is driven by a renewed focus on social impact and community engagement among consumers. Additionally, there is a growing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly sports products as environmental consciousness gains momentum in the region. This shift towards socially and environmentally responsible sports choices highlights the changing priorities and values of African consumers.

Trends in the market:
In Africa, the Sports Market industry is experiencing a surge in e-sports, with competitive gaming becoming a popular form of entertainment. In addition, there has been a rise in the use of social media platforms for Sports marketing and fan engagement. The trajectory of these trends suggests a shift towards a more digital and interconnected sports landscape in Africa. With increased access to technology and internet connectivity, these trends have significant implications for industry stakeholders. They must adapt to this changing landscape by leveraging digital platforms for marketing, sponsorship, and fan engagement to stay relevant and competitive in the market. This shift towards a more digital approach also presents opportunities for new players to enter the market and disrupt traditional models of Sports marketing and consumption.

Local special circumstances:
In Africa, the Sports Market is heavily influenced by a variety of cultural and geographical factors. With a diverse population and varying levels of economic development, cultural preferences and traditions play a significant role in shaping the demand for different sports. Additionally, factors such as climate, terrain, and infrastructure also impact the types of sports that are popular in different regions. Furthermore, regulatory circumstances, such as government support and investment in sports facilities and infrastructure, also greatly influence the growth and development of the Sports market in Africa. Despite these unique challenges, the growing interest and investments in sports across the continent make Africa a promising market for sports industry players.

Underlying macroeconomic factors:
The growth of the Sports Market market is heavily influenced by macroeconomic factors such as consumer spending, overall economic stability, and government support for the development of sports industries. In countries with strong economic growth and a high demand for sports entertainment, such as in emerging markets in Africa, the potential for market expansion is significant. However, limited access to capital and infrastructure can hinder market growth in some regions. Furthermore, favorable government policies and investments in sports infrastructure and technology can drive the growth of the Sports market, as seen in many developed countries. The increasing popularity of sports and rise of amateur sports leagues globally also contribute to the demand for sports equipment and facilities, further driving market growth.

Methodology

Data coverage:

The data encompasses B2C and B2B revenues. Figures are based on media spending, merchandise spending, and ticket spending. All monetary figures for merchandise and tickets refer to consumer spending on goods or tickets in the respective segment, which can be online and offline.

Modeling approach / Market size:

Market sizes are determined through a combination of bottom-up and top-down approaches, building on specific predefined factors for each market segment. As a basis for evaluating markets, we use annual financial reports of the market-leading companies and industry associations, third-party studies and reports, survey results from our primary research (e.g., Consumer Insights), as well as performance factors (e.g., user penetration, price per ticket, price on sport goods). In addition, we use relevant key market indicators and data from country-specific associations, such as GDP, number of internet users, and internet consumption. This data helps us estimate the market size for each country individually.

Forecasts:

In our forecasts, we apply diverse forecasting techniques. The selection of forecasting techniques is based on the behavior of the relevant market. For example, the S-curve function or linear forecasting, as it fits the development of either strong growing markets or more sophistacted and saturated markets, such as soccer in Europe.

Additional notes:

The data is modeled using current exchange rates. The market is updated twice a year in case market dynamics change. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is considered at a country-specific level. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war are considered at a country-specific level. In some cases, the data is updated on an ad hoc basis (e.g., when new, relevant data has been released or significant changes within the market have an impact on the projected development). We also account for the different cycles of international tournaments, such as world cups or continent cups. Consumer Insights data is reweighted for representativeness.

Overview

  • Revenue
  • Analyst Opinion
  • Reach
  • Global Comparison
  • Methodology
  • Key Market Indicators
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