AFRICA SPORTS EXPO 2025: An Exceptional 4th Edition on the Sidelines of the AFCON, Confirming Morocco’s Continental Leadership
Three days of exchanges, meetings and activities were enough to confirm the growing momentum of Africa Sports Expo. Its 4th edition, held from December 18 to 20 at the Casablanca International Fair, established itself as a major sporting event on the African continent. Organized on the sidelines of the Africa Cup of Nations, it benefited from a vibrant sporting ecosystem, further strengthening the interest of professionals, international brands, startups and equipment manufacturers in the African market.
This year, Africa Sports Expo once again confirmed its status as the largest African exhibition dedicated to sport. Spanning an area of 18,000 square meters, the event brought together more than 180 exhibitors and attracted nearly 28,000 visitors from 28 countries. The exhibition featured around thirty conferences and panel discussions, along with numerous activities open to the general public.
Several conferences, forums and B2B meetings shaped the event, particularly around themes such as infrastructure, careers, innovation and major sporting events. The Sport and Careers Forum, the Africa Football Forum and the Africa Stadiums and Arenas Forum provided a platform for analysis, feedback and opportunities, at a time when major Moroccan and African sports projects are at the heart of discussions.
France, the guest country of honor, reinforced the international dimension of the exhibition. The conference titled “Morocco–France: a partnership of excellence in support of major sporting events,” which brought together figures including Nawal Moutawakel, Vice President of the Moroccan National Olympic Committee, and Damien Combredet-Blassel, France’s Ambassador for Sport, highlighted the importance of bilateral cooperation and knowledge transfer for the success of continental competitions.
The official ceremonies also paid tribute to stakeholders working directly on the ground. Seven companies received the “Sporting Equipment Manufacturer” label, initiated by the Moroccan Federation of Sports Professionals: Gamis, Laquet Maroc, Souss Espaces Verts, Proturf, CIEC (Comptoir d’Importation, d’Exportation et de Commission), CM Sport and Unica Sport. This label goes beyond a symbolic distinction. It recognizes the seriousness, compliance and quality of products and services offered by Moroccan players in the sector, and serves as a mark of trust for clubs, local authorities, federations and sports practitioners.
The Morocco Sports Awards, for their part, honored several initiatives and personalities that stood out in 2025. Mohamed Ouahbi was named “Personality of the Year.” 212Sports was named “Start-up of the Year,” alongside the Nabda Foundation, which received the “Citizen Engagement of the Year” award. Inwi won the award for “Media Activation of the Year,” while Pikala received the prize for “Event Activation of the Year,” and Simo Sedraty was named “Content Creator of the Year.” The jury’s two special mentions were awarded to Zineb Benmoussa, Director General of ANEP, and the startup Blindside.
Beyond its professional dimension, Africa Sports Expo also reaffirmed its openness to the general public. Sports activities, including the Predator Morocco Freestyle Football Championship, attracted families, young talents and enthusiasts, giving the event an inclusive and unifying character. Sports participation, access to well-being and the educational role of sport were key pillars of this edition, which advocates for a more active and aware society.
“We had the ambition to make this 4th edition an event that reflects the transformations currently shaping sport in Africa,” said Mehdi Sekkouri, CEO of STADIA and President of the FMPS. “Africa Sports Expo confirms that Morocco can play a driving role in structuring a continental sports ecosystem capable of innovating, training and creating value. This edition encourages us to go further and prepare an even more ambitious next step,” he added.
Organized by STADIA, the event strengthens Casablanca’s position as an African sports platform and a showcase for major continental projects. The economic and social impact of the exhibition, through support for sports industries, startups and training initiatives, further consolidates its role in structuring a rapidly growing market.
Africa Sports Expo is already looking ahead to its 5th edition, with the aim of enhancing its international reach and continuing to consolidate a more innovative, structured and ambitious African sports ecosystem.
Editorial team/le7tv (Press Release)
