Jamaica urged to convert athletic success into investment and export growth

KINGSTON, Jamaica— Jamaica's standing on the world stage has been built largely through the performances of its athletes, but officials say that renown must now be channelled into stronger enterprise, fresh capital inflows, and wider export markets.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Sancia Bennett-Templer, delivered that message on Monday at the opening of the first Made4Goal Jamaica Global Sports Summit 2026, held at the University of Technology (UTech) Jamaica.

She told delegates the two-day gathering offers a chance to steer national debate toward turning sporting achievement into durable economic gain.

"Today marks more than the opening of the conference. Over the next two days there is the opportunity to shape an important national conversation… . It is a conversation about how Jamaica can convert one of our greatest competitive advantages into lasting econmic opportunity," she said.

"How do we transform sporting excellence into a thriving sports economy? How do we ensure that every medal, every championship, every iconic athlete also strengthens and brings forward business opportunities, attracts investments, expands exports and creates jobs?" she said.

Bennett-Templer argued that when sport is examined as an economic sector, its reach stretches well past tracks, fields and podiums. She said value can be generated across sports technology, artificial intelligence, sports medicine, manufacturing, tourism, hospitality, education, broadcasting, gaming and the creative industries.

She cited estimates placing the worldwide sports economy at roughly US$2.3 trillion each year, and added that "countries around the world are no longer viewing sports simply as recreation or entertainment. They are treating it as an industry and so must we".

Among Jamaica's strengths, she listed its widely known sporting brand, a deep pool of athletic talent, favourable weather and a far-reaching diaspora. She also flagged hurdles, including tight access to finance, ageing sports facilities and the need to better monetise sporting assets.

Bennett-Templer said the State has already spent billions on sports infrastructure and athlete development, and is still upgrading community grounds, football pitches, cricket squares, running tracks and multi-purpose courts islandwide.

She pointed to the Trelawny multi-purpose stadium as a possible anchor for industry growth, with scope for training hubs, sports medicine services and commercial ventures.

Even so, she stressed that facilities on their own will not build a robust sports economy.

"We must also build businesses. Businesses that commercialise innovation. Businesses that leverage intellectual property. Businesses that connect sport with manufacturing, tourism, technology, finance, education and the creative industries. That is how sustainable industries are created," she said.

She said progress would depend on joint effort from government, the private sector, sporting bodies, universities, entrepreneurs, investors and athletes.

"Jamaica has already shown the world that it can produce extraordinary athletes. Our next goal must be to become equally renowned for producing world-class sports businesses," Bennett-Templer said.

Summit Founder and Director Alrick McKenzie said the Made4Goal programme was set up to move talent toward real opportunity through purpose, discipline, opportunity and performance.

He urged attendees to act on their ambitions, telling them to "put on your shoes" and take the first step forward.

"All you have to do is put on your shoes… if you believe and if you want to be a doer and if you want to be a change maker, you can do it. Because all you need to do is to put on your shoes," McKenzie said.