FIFA president Gianni Infantino has announced a groundbreaking investment exceeding $1 billion in African football since the inception of the FIFA Forward Programme in 2016.
He made this revelation in his address at the 47th CAF Ordinary General Assembly, held on Monday evening in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.
Infantino stated that the substantial funding aims to enhance the sport across the continent, supporting infrastructure projects, competitions, and training for the 54 FIFA Member Associations (MAs) in Africa.
He emphasised the vital role football plays in inspiring hope and dreams for Africa’s children, reinforcing the sport’s potential to drive positive change within communities.
Infantino expressed gratitude to CAF President Patrice Motsepe for the opportunity to host the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™, which allowed four African teams—Al Ahly FC, Espérance Sportive de Tunis, Mamelodi Sundowns FC, and Wydad AC—to showcase their talents on the global stage.
Highlighting the achievements of African countries in international competitions, Infantino noted that players from 19 African nations have participated in the FIFA Club World Cup, including nine nations that had never previously competed in the FIFA World Cup™. Countries such as Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Tanzania were acknowledged for their emerging talent and dedication to the sport.
“The summer event was a huge success, with four African teams competing,” stated Infantino. “More importantly, we saw representation from various African nations among the 32 clubs globally, showcasing the continent’s growing presence in football.”
“FIFA’s commitment to African football is not solely financial. The association plans to establish between 20 and 30 FIFA Academies by 2027 as part of the FIFA Talent Development Scheme, aimed at nurturing and developing young talent across Africa. Furthermore, the Football for Schools programme is now operational in over 40 African nations, fostering grassroots engagement and providing essential skills to aspiring players,” he said.
CAF President Motsepe expressed his appreciation for FIFA’s support and conveyed confidence that African clubs would continue to excel in future competitions. “Thank you for the FIFA Club World Cup. Our teams performed admirably, and we are hopeful for even better results next time,” he remarked.
In his concluding remarks, Infantino called for unity among African football leaders, stressing the importance of collaboration for a brighter future. “Let us unite to give dreams, chances, and hope to all the children of Africa,” he urged. “Together, we can create a strong voice for African football on the world stage.”
This inspiring message reaffirms FIFA’s vision for a prosperous future for African football, marking a pivotal moment in the sport’s development across the continent.
