Cleaqes Launches Initiative to Connect Grassroots Sports Talent with Global Opportunities
As Africa’s digital economy continues to flourish, the technology-driven platform Cleaqes has unveiled Cleaqes Sports, a new digital initiative dedicated to identifying, showcasing, and connecting grassroots sports talent across Africa and the Caribbean with global opportunities.
During the launch event, Charity Owoh, the Head of Marketing at Cleaqes, emphasized that the company aims to be more than just a platform. It seeks to create a comprehensive technology ecosystem that links Africa and the Caribbean with the global community.
Owoh highlighted the growing international interest in African culture, business, tourism, entertainment, and sports as significant opportunities for the continent. Cleaqes positions itself as a crucial bridge connecting local communities to the global diaspora.
She elaborated, stating, “Cleaqes is a technology-driven initiative that connects Africa and the Caribbean to a wider audience. The diaspora is vast, with many wanting to engage with African culture. Our mission is to showcase talent, businesses, creators, and opportunities through innovative technology.”
The company operates through various digital pillars, including Cleaqes Stories, Cleaqes Tourism, Cleaqes Events, and the newly launched Cleaqes Sports. According to Owoh, the tourism platform serves as a digital marketplace where users can explore destinations, book travel experiences, and connect with trusted service providers across Africa and the Caribbean.
Owoh noted that the platform addresses a significant challenge for travelers: access to reliable and verified vendors. “We connect users with trustworthy vendors to help them discover genuine experiences across Africa. There are countless hidden gems waiting to be uncovered, and technology can facilitate this discovery,” she explained.
Leveraging Technology for Event Promotion and Engagement
Cleaqes also features an event discovery platform that enables organizers to promote their events, sell tickets, and stream activities to a global audience. Using examples from comedy shows and other entertainment events, Owoh showcased how Cleaqes’ live streaming technology allows creators to expand their reach beyond physical venues.
“Although attendees outside Nigeria may be unable to join in person, they can still participate remotely via our platform. This not only creates an additional revenue stream for creators but also helps them reach a broader audience,” she added.
Focusing on Grassroots Sports Development
However, the company believes that sports represent one of the most significant opportunities for youth in Africa. Aisha Oladunjoy, Product Manager at Cleaqes, explained that the new platform was developed to identify talented athletes from grassroots communities and provide them with the visibility necessary to attract international opportunities.
Initially focusing on football, Cleaqes Sports aims to build a digital archive of emerging talent from streets, schools, and local communities. “This technology platform is designed to help local talent gain exposure and recognition on a global stage. We started with football because we recognize the wealth of untapped talent among young athletes who are not affiliated with major clubs or academies,” Oladunjoy stated.
Oladunjoy emphasized that technology can bridge the gap between potential talent and global opportunities. “Technology can reach areas that our feet cannot. Through this digital platform, we can connect local talent with global scouts, clubs, and opportunities,” she explained.
Strategic Community Engagement and Expansion Plans
While Cleaqes Sports is still in its early development stages and lacks formal partnerships with educational institutions, the company plans to launch an extensive awareness campaign targeting students and young athletes within local communities. Oladunjoy noted that Cleaqes Sports will implement an aggressive digital marketing strategy and engage directly with the community to identify potential talent.
“Our goal is to create significant visibility through all available digital channels and physical activities. We want young people to understand that their dreams are valid and that their athletic skills can lead to world-class careers,” she asserted.
Documenting Athlete Development and Future International Engagements
One of the platform’s standout features is its ability to document an athlete’s development over time. “When we eventually produce the next Messi or Ronaldo, users will be able to trace that athlete’s journey from the very beginning on our platform,” Oladunjoy explained.
As part of its international expansion strategy, Cleaqes Sports is exploring opportunities for African players to participate in the Prime Minister’s Cup in Barbados, aiming to enhance their exposure to international competition and scouting networks. The company is also considering partnerships with airlines, particularly Air Peace, which has launched direct flights between Nigeria and Barbados.
Additionally, Cleaqes Sports plans to engage with investors, sports organizations, and media institutions at the 2026 Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) Summit in Lagos. The company’s long-term vision is to establish Africa’s leading digital sports ecosystem, utilizing technology to elevate grassroots athletes into globally recognized champions and position African sports prominently in international markets.
