Stephane Sessegnon had a big influence in Sunderland's new sponsorship agreement with Invest for Africa.
The Journal says the organisation was impressed by the club's Foundation work and the Black Cats' history of working with African players.
They have signed Asamoah Gyan, John Mensah, Sulley Muntari and Ahmed Elmohamady recently - as well as current player of the year Stéphane Sessègnon.