Africa’s sport infrastructure model of standalone, football-only stadiums has failed and should give way to mixed-use districts that earn money all year, Paulo J. Cruz, chief executive of African Collaborations Group (ACG), said in an interview with Africa.com.
“Africa has invested billions in standalone, football-only stadiums that on average are used fewer than 25 days a year,” Cruz said, according to a statement from ACG. The company did not give a source for the figure, and DNE Africa could not independently verify it.
What does ACG propose for sport infrastructure in Africa?
Cruz argued for masterplanned sport and entertainment districts combining 15 to 20 types of asset, such as hotels, training academies, restaurants, offices and concert venues, so that revenue does not depend on match days. He said the missing piece was project origination: governments set mandates and lenders finance projects, but few bodies prepare them to the point where they can be financed.
He also listed the risks. Public-private partnership rules vary across African countries, land tenure can be complex, and currency, political and regulatory risk all affect investor appetite, he said.
Who is behind ACG?
ACG was founded by Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard, who is also the founder of APO Group, the firm that distributed the statement. ACG said he was appointed to a FIFA task force on infrastructure development in Africa in 2022. Cruz was previously a senior vice-president at the Dubai property developer DAMAC Group. ACG has not announced a specific project or financing deal.
Sport infrastructure spending is a live issue on the continent as Morocco prepares to co-host the 2030 World Cup, covered by DNE Africa in its report on Morocco’s election and the World Cup. FIFA’s official site sets out its stadium and infrastructure programmes.
FAQ
What is African Collaborations Group?
It is a company that says it originates sport and entertainment district projects in Africa, bringing together governments, investors and sports bodies.
What is wrong with Africa’s sport infrastructure, according to ACG?
Cruz said single-use stadiums are rarely used and drain public budgets, and that mixed-use districts would earn revenue every day.
Has ACG built any projects?
The statement did not name any completed or financed project.
