From Raw Talent to Trillion-Dollar Industry: Fashola Urges Africa to Unleash Its Table Tennis Stars
Former Lagos State Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola has issued a bold rallying cry to African leaders, urging deliberate investment in grassroots sports to unlock the continent’s massive economic potential.
Speaking as the special guest at the grand finale of the 2026 ITTF Africa Youth Cup at the Borteyman Sports Complex in Accra, Fashola praised the exceptional talent displayed by the continent’s rising table tennis stars. He commended the leadership of ITTF Africa, headed by Wahid Oshodi, for organizing a world-class showcase.
“Looking at what happened in Accra, I could see raw talents that only need refining to become world-class,” Fashola stated. “Sports is now a trillion-dollar industry globally. If we deliberately invest in grassroots sports development, we can truly benefit as a continent.”
Fashola Urges Africa to Unleash Its Table Tennis Stars
A Legacy of Sporting Growth
Fashola’s call to action carries proven weight. During his tenure as Governor of Lagos State, he spearheaded the launch of the Lagos Table Tennis Classic—a grassroots initiative that evolved into the Nigeria Open and has now grown into the globally renowned WTT Contender Lagos.
Highlighting Africa’s status as the youngest continent in the world, the former Minister of Works and Housing urged policymakers to shift their perspective, viewing sports not merely as recreation, but as a major economic engine capable of lifting Africa’s fortunes and empowering youth.
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