Founder of the AMAPRO Africa Development Programme, Shogo Shodunnke, was one of the notable key speakers at the 2026 African Football Business Summit held from October 22 to 23 in Accra, Ghana where he called for serious investment in infrastructure to advance the sector.
The annual conference organized by the Football Foundation Africa, had prominent administrators, policy experts, and sports stakeholders across the continent under the central theme, 'Transforming Our Game'.
Shodunnke, who is also the Sporting Director for Nigeria National League, NNL side, Eko United, shared strategic insights during two major panel sessions at the summit.
In a panel focused on 'Building Women's Football as Critical Infrastructure,' he engaged alongside leaders such as Chanel Boateng, João Marcos Guimarães Siqueira, and Nadia Owusu to examine inclusive growth.
During the discussion, Shodunnke emphasized that Africa has barely scratched the surface of its immense women's football potential.
He argued that with targeted funding, structured support, and modernized infrastructure, the women's game could significantly elevate Africa's global footballing standing.
The panel collectively called on FIFA, CAF, and regional governing bodies to expand financial backing while fostering corporate partnerships to accelerate development.
In a second session titled 'Youth Football and Grassroots Development: Retaining Value Through Stronger Pathways and Domestic Leagues,' Shodunnke turned his attention to talent retention.
He joined prominent figures to discuss strategies for building resilient domestic leagues and structured academy frameworks.
The speakers urged African football leaders to establish viable local ecosystems that prevent premature talent drain and ensure sustainable economic value remains within the continent.
