A prominent figure in sports facility construction in Africa has called for tax incentives to encourage companies specialising in sports infrastructure development. His proposal aims to address the pressing issue of inadequate sports facilities across Africa.

Ebi Egbe, CEO of Monimichelle Sports Facilities Construction Ltd in Nigeria, recently spoke at the Africa Football Business Summit in Nairobi, Kenya.

He emphasised the need for a comprehensive strategy to improve football infrastructure on the continent and argued that achieving this goal requires not only investment but also policy reforms and grassroots development initiatives.

Key strategies for improvement

Egbe outlined several critical strategies to enhance sports infrastructure, including:

1. government and corporate investment
2. public-private partnerships
3. tax incentives
4. sports grants.

He particularly highlighted tax incentives as vital to attracting investment in sports infrastructure. According to Egbe, high customs duties on sports equipment are a significant barrier to growth, driving up construction costs. “When you look at the customs duties paid on a 40-foot container in some countries, it is really outrageous,” he stated, emphasising the urgent need for tax breaks to stimulate funding in the sports sector.

Modernising facilities

Egbe also advocated for collaboration between governments, corporations, and private investors to build and maintain modern football facilities, including stadiums, training grounds, and academies. He pointed out that many African stadiums are outdated and in dire need of renovation to meet international standards, which is essential for hosting both local and international tournaments.

Additionally, he stressed the importance of selecting appropriate playing surfaces suited to Africa’s diverse climates. “As Africans, we must identify what playing surface works for our continent because of our extreme weather conditions,” he explained. He cautioned against becoming a dumping ground for outdated synthetic turf, especially as Europe phases out certain types of artificial pitches.

Emphasising maintenance culture

Egbe underscored the critical role of maintenance in the sustainability of sports facilities. He pointed out that poor maintenance practices hinder the growth of football across Africa. “We must change our attitude towards maintenance, especially at the grassroots level, which is the cradle of talent generation,” he urged.

Egbe, who is also a FIFA-certified groundsman, also highlighted the importance of sprinkler systems on football pitches. While synthetic turf requires less watering than natural grass, proper irrigation remains crucial for maintaining surface quality, managing temperature, and ensuring player safety. “Sprinklers on synthetic turf pitches are extremely essential for enhancing playability, preventing injuries, and prolonging the pitch’s lifespan,” he noted.

Egbe’s insights at the Africa Football Business Summit underline the urgent need for investment and innovative solutions to revitalise sports infrastructure across the continent. By implementing tax incentives and fostering partnerships, Africa can build a robust framework for developing modern sports facilities that will support the growth of football and other sports for generations to come.