DISCOP markets specifically target Africa and the Middle East. They also ‘bridge’ these two world regions with many similarities and fast-growing 18-34 entertainment and sports-loving demographics. Two markets are hosted each year. One in Dubai, UAE, and the other one alternatively in Kigali, Rwanda and Abidjan, Cote D’Ivoire. After two and a half years without an event, the last DISCOP took place in Dubai from 17 to 19 May and welcomed 582 participants from 48 countries.

The next DISCOP market will take place in Rwanda from 29 November to 1 December 2022 at the iconic Kigali Convention Centre, the premium events venue in Rwanda.

Engagement at DISCOP Kigali and market dynamics will be driven by a wide selection of fresh content produced in Africa, homegrown projects with global distribution potential, buyers reflecting new business trends across the Continent, Rwanda’s ambitions to become a major entertainment and sports industry hub, the growing popularity of Francophone content, and strong relations between Africa and the Middle East. 

A program of thematically focused roundtable discussions and hands-on workshops will complement the 3-day market. Afternoon and evening screenings organized in partnership with the Mashariki African Film Festival will also showcase upcoming feature films and TV shows produced in Africa – including World Premieres! 

DISCOP Kigali will welcome 500+ executives at the intersection of entertainment and sports, B2C distribution, marketing, and commerce. 

They represent global and regional sellers, broadcasters, pay-tv services, OTT platforms, WebTV’s, mobile operators, content producers, sports rights managers, advertisers, venues, marketers, and local stakeholders. 

They will participate in pre-scheduled, fully qualified appointments planned two months ahead of the market. Non-exhibiting delegates have access to expanded networking areas where their meetings can be organized. A limited number of exhibits (6m2 to 24m2) is available to companies in need of frontline visibility and more privacy.

A new ‘need-to-know’ educational and networking program dubbed DiscoSport and dedicated to the future of sports broadcasting in Africa and the Middle East will premiere at DISCOP Kigali. The program will run parallel to each DISCOP market from now on. 

DiscoSport’s inaugural program focuses on electronic sports and how to engage esports players and gaming fans through compelling live experiences that generate great content. The program consists of educational sessions, hands-on demonstrations and round-table discussions spotlighting tactics to: 

-- Create memorable esports competitions that drive engagement and interaction. 

-- Produce, package, and distribute esports content for multi-screen audiences. 

-- Deliver measurable results to sponsors and advertisers. 

-- Derive new revenues through purpose-driven merchandising. 

A series of round-table discussions will also highlight Rwanda’s long-term plan to become a major sporting events destination, the popularity of Senegalese Wrestling, and ways for Africa and the Middle East to get closer and develop unique partnerships. 

‘After Hour Showcases’ will be held at the end of each day. In a festive environment, DISCOP Kigali delegates will connect with renowned esports players to best make sense of the notable skills, teamwork and quick reflexes involved in esports. Live demonstrations will familiarize them with the few main categories of games played competitively. 

TIMELINE 

-- Monday 19 September | Access to DISCOP Kigali’s final program 

-- Monday 26 September | Access to the MyDISCOP networking platform 

-- Monday 3 October | Access to the list of Guest Speakers 

--Monday 10 October | Access to content and projects offered at the market

For further information, send an email to info@discop.com and we will get back to you immediately with additional details.

Source: discop.tv/kigali