Inside South Sudan’s basketball investment opportunity

South Sudan is making strides in developing its basketball infrastructure to drive investments into the game and nurture young talent to compete globally. In an exclusive interview with CNBC Africa, Arou Ramadan Chan, the Secretary General of the South Sudan Basketball Federation, highlighted the country's efforts and future plans to support the growth of basketball in the region. One of the key goals for South Sudan is to ensure that young players have access to proper training facilities and opportunities to excel in the sport. Dr. Chan emphasized the importance of building enough infrastructures across the country and the continent to train young men and women from an early age and prepare them for international competition. With a focus on capacity building and infrastructure development, South Sudan aims to create a solid foundation for the next phase of basketball in Africa. The country is blessed with tall, agile, and hardworking players, making it a promising destination for basketball investments. However, one of the challenges facing many African teams is the lack of infrastructure and adequate pay for players. Dr. Chan discussed the federation's plan to build more basketball courts across the country, with the goal of expanding to all states and administrative areas. While the current focus is on outdoor courts, the federation aims to invest in indoor arenas that will provide players with the facilities needed to compete at the highest levels globally. The investment opportunity in basketball in South Sudan is significant, with the potential to attract investors looking to contribute to the growth of the sport and the development of top talent. Dr. Chan acknowledged the cost of building the courts but expressed confidence in the feasibility of the project, highlighting the progress made over the past five years. As South Sudan continues its efforts to enhance its basketball infrastructure, the country sees basketball as a potential export product that can drive economic development. Drawing inspiration from the success of Rwanda in becoming a basketball hub in Africa, Dr. Chan emphasized the economic benefits of investing in the sport. By developing great basketball players and attracting investors, South Sudan aims to leverage basketball as a tool for economic growth and international recognition.