Head of Sales and Business Development

About Spark:

Spark Africa is the engine behind some of Africa’s biggest technology events, including the Africa Technology Expo (ATE) and Africa Startup Festival (ASF). We drive commercial partnerships, startup-investor connections, and innovation-focused gatherings across the continent.

Role Overview:

We are looking for a results-driven Sales and Business Development Lead to join our team. This isn’t a back-office strategy role — it’s a front-line execution role. You’ll be responsible for directly driving revenue through sponsorships, exhibition sales, and strategic partnerships for our events. You will own the full sales cycle: from prospecting to closing deals, onboarding clients, and ensuring tangible value delivery to our partners.

Responsibilities:

Actively identify, pitch, and close new sponsorship and exhibitor deals for Spark events

Design and implement sales funnels, outreach sequences, and follow-up processes

Onboard new partners and sponsors, ensuring smooth handoff and ongoing relationship management

Maintain partner satisfaction and drive repeat business (target: minimum 90% retention rate for sponsors and exhibitors)

Work cross-functionally with our content, production, and marketing teams to ensure partner deliverables are executed

Report weekly on pipeline status, closed deals, and progress against targets

Continuously improve and optimize our sales processes and partner engagement strategies

Propose upsell opportunities and help shape future sponsorship offerings

Represent Spark at industry meetings and external stakeholder engagements as needed

Requirements:

Proven experience in B2B sales, partnership development, or sponsorship sales (experience in media, tech, or events is a plus)

Ability to independently manage a sales pipeline from lead generation to close

Strong communication and negotiation skills

Self-starter mindset with the discipline to deliver results in a fast-paced environment

Comfortable working towards ambitious revenue targets

Strong organizational and CRM tracking abilities

Bonus if you have prior relationships with enterprise brands, tech companies, or marketing decision-makers

Reporting Line:

You’ll report directly to the CEO and work closely with the Events Partnerships and Content Teams.