Ivorian football star Sébastien Haller has taken a strategic step into Africa’s sports economy, becoming a minority shareholder and ambassador of Omega Sports Holding (OSH), a private investment firm centered on the sports industry. This alliance signals a powerful move toward advancing sports development in Côte d’Ivoire and across the African continent.
Haller, a prominent figure in African football and a key player in the upcoming 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), sees his involvement with OSH as a natural progression of his commitment to uplifting African sports.
“My career has taught me that sport goes beyond victories on the field. It transforms lives, creates opportunities,” he remarked. “By joining Omega Sports Holding, I want to contribute to building a strong sports economy in Côte d’Ivoire and Africa.”
Building a Sustainable Sports Ecosystem
With an established track record of success on the field, Haller aims to extend his impact by contributing to a broader sports ecosystem that supports both economic growth and local talent development.
This partnership reflects his vision of a sustainable sports infrastructure that not only nurtures the continent’s young athletes but also places Africa on the global sports business map.
Omega Sports Holding, led by its founder Cheick Sanankoua, embodies an ambitious approach to investing in African sports.
With a fund of $50 million slated for projects over the next two to three years, OSH is poised to bolster African sports teams, leagues, infrastructure, and technology.
Sanankoua affirmed the significance of Haller’s involvement, stating, “The arrival of Sébastien Haller as a partner sends a strong message: African sport is a global force, a lever for development.
Together, we want to create an ecosystem that benefits the community while propelling African sport onto the international stage.”
Legacy Beyond AFCON 2024
With over a billion euros invested by the Ivorian government into preparations for the 2024 AFCON, the tournament has transformed local sports and economic infrastructure.
Haller envisions this progress continuing beyond the tournament’s conclusion, emphasizing the need for sustainable growth.
“Less than a year after the AFCON, my commitment with OSH aims to create a solid ecosystem that will allow young talents to flourish locally while aspiring to international careers,” he explained.
OSH already manages two of Côte d’Ivoire’s leading sports clubs: Racing Club d’Abidjan (RCA) in football and the Abidjan Basketball Club (ABC Fighters).
Both clubs symbolize Haller’s and OSH’s vision of using sports as a platform for economic growth and talent development.
RCA has emerged as a stronghold for young footballers destined for European leagues, while ABC Fighters have gained recognition in African basketball, including their recent participation in the Basketball Africa League (BAL) playoffs.
Jean-Luc Agboyibo, CEO of OSH, highlighted the economic potential embedded within this vision: “Côte d’Ivoire, through basketball and football, can become a hub for sports business.
With figures like Sébastien Haller and Nisre Zouzoua, we are consolidating a vision where Ivorian sport is a lever for economic development and a major player internationally.”
A United Vision for African Sports
Haller’s partnership with OSH reflects a shared ambition to position Côte d’Ivoire and Africa as key players in global sports.
His influence as an international athlete and investor is expected to create a sustainable legacy for future generations, as Haller and OSH lay the groundwork for Côte d’Ivoire’s sports industry to thrive and expand on an international scale.
This collaborative venture underscores the enduring potential of sports as an economic driver and a source of hope and inspiration for young African athletes.
Through their combined efforts, Haller and OSH aim to foster a brighter future for Ivorian sports, strengthening the nation’s position as a vibrant center for athletic talent and economic growth in Africa.
