Fall: Sports key to promote Afri-Caribbean trade

Amadou Gallo Fall, the President of the Basketball Africa League, recently highlighted the pivotal role that sports play in promoting the Africa Continental Free Trade Area during an interview with CNBC Africa. Fall emphasized the importance of accessible borders within Africa and the Caribbean to facilitate collaborative trade. Speaking on the potential of sports to bridge gaps and enhance collective influence among people from Africa and its diaspora, Fall pointed out the efforts of the Basketball Africa League in tapping into talent across the African diaspora. The league's inclusive approach allows players with at least one parent from Africa to participate, broadening the talent pool and fostering cross-cultural connections. Moreover, Fall commended the partnership with Afrik Zimbabwe in the Bahamas, which aims to integrate the Caribbean region as the sixth region of Africa, unlocking vast opportunities for trade and collaboration. With a focus on fostering integration between Africa and the Caribbean, Fall underscored how sports serve as a powerful tool to rally nations and drive economic growth. By facilitating the movement of people, goods, and services, sports can contribute to a more fluid exchange and enhance commercial ties between regions. Fall highlighted the potential for sports to promote the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement and emphasized the significance of leveraging natural ties to boost commerce and trade. Recognizing the transformative impact of sports as an equalizer, Fall expressed a commitment to expanding initiatives across the African diaspora to drive inclusive growth and prosperity. Reflecting on the growth of the Basketball Africa League, Fall celebrated the recent conclusion of its fourth season and the crowning of Petro-Atletico de Luanda from Angola as champions. Despite launching the league amidst a global pandemic in 2021, the partnership between the NBA and FIBA has rapidly gained momentum, featuring 12 teams from 12 countries. By creating a platform for young talent to showcase and monetize their skills, the league aims to stimulate economic development and promote tourism through its high-profile events across Africa. With a dynamic format that spans multiple locations and attracts global audiences, the league has become a catalyst for local economies, attracting visitors and generating significant economic activity. Looking ahead, Fall emphasized the continuous growth potential of the league and its role as an economic engine for the continent. Transitioning to key takeaways from the discussions at the plenary sessions, Fall highlighted the commitment of stakeholders to collaborate and pool resources for collective prosperity. He underscored the importance of bridging divides within and between regions to create a cohesive network that fosters growth and development. By leveraging institutions like AfriXim Bank and the African Union to drive enabling environments for trade and investment, Fall expressed optimism for a future marked by increased collaboration and shared success in the pursuit of intra-African trade.