At DBA Africa, we work every day with young people who are full of talent and passion. They love to run, kick, pass, and most importantly play. Across different sports like rugby, football, athletics, hockey and netball, we see their potential. But passion is not enough. These young athletes need support, coaching, and safe spaces to grow. This is why sports development in Africa is so important.

How Much Do Federations Really Invest in Youth Sport?

Let’s look at the numbers. In Kenya, the rugby federation (KRU) spends just 5.2% of its yearly budget on youth and grassroots sport. This includes school sport, community outreach, and girls in sport. Compared to other countries who spend between 20-40% of their yearly budgets.
But in East Africa, most sports federations, not just in rugby, but in football, athletics, and basketball, development budgets are at the bottom of the priority list. And even with the small amount allocated, the funds are often lost to poor planning or mismanagement.

Why Sports Investment Matters

This is not just about winning medals and qualifying for World Cups. Grassroots sport in Africa helps young people:
• Stay in school
• Build confidence and leadership
• Stay healthy in body and mind
• Learn teamwork and discipline
• Challenge unfair gender rules

For these things to happen, we need trained coaches, safe places to play, and the right equipment. We also need programmes that include life skills and make learning fun. This all costs money, Sports development doesn’t happen by chance, it requires real investment.

When federations ignore grassroots sport, they risk losing a generation of talent, especially girls and youth in poor or rural areas.

The Role of Federations and Partners

Most of the time, the hard work of growing sport is left to non-profits, local coaches, and partners like DBA Africa. We’re proud to help, but we can’t do it alone.

National federations must lead. That means setting clear budgets for youth sport, working with schools, and making sure development programmes are planned well and tracked over time. It also means making sure that girls in sport are supported, not forgotten.

If we want sport to inspire and empower our youth, federations must invest in the roots, in schools, in communities, and in grassroots clubs and academies. Governments must help, and sponsors must ask the hard questions: “Where is your development budget?”

Because until the system changes, the field is not level. And the kids who need sport the most will be the ones left behind.