Since the inception of the FIFA Forward Programme in 2016, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has announced a transformative investment exceeding $1 billion dedicated to advancing football throughout Africa.
This announcement was made during his keynote speech at the 47th CAF Ordinary General Assembly, convened on Monday evening in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The substantial financial commitment is designed to enhance football infrastructure, support tournaments, and provide training opportunities for all 54 FIFA Member Associations across the African continent.
Infantino emphasized football’s profound impact as a source of inspiration and hope for Africa’s youth, highlighting the sport’s capacity to foster positive societal change within communities.
He also extended his thanks to CAF President Patrice Motsepe for facilitating the hosting of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 in Africa, an event that featured four prominent African clubs-Al Ahly FC, Espérance Sportive de Tunis, Mamelodi Sundowns FC, and Wydad AC-allowing them to demonstrate their skills on an international platform.
Drawing attention to Africa’s growing footprint in global football, Infantino pointed out that players from 19 African countries have competed in the FIFA Club World Cup, including nine nations yet to appear in the FIFA World Cup. Emerging footballing nations such as Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Tanzania were recognized for their rising talent and commitment to the game.
“The recent summer tournament was a remarkable success with four African teams participating,” Infantino remarked. “More significantly, the presence of clubs from diverse African countries among the 32 teams worldwide underscores the continent’s expanding influence in the sport.”
Beyond financial investment, FIFA is committed to nurturing future talent by planning to establish between 20 and 30 FIFA Academies across Africa by 2027 under the FIFA Talent Development Scheme. Additionally, the Football for Schools initiative is active in over 40 African nations, promoting grassroots involvement and equipping young players with essential skills.
CAF President Motsepe expressed his gratitude for FIFA’s ongoing support and voiced optimism about the continued success of African clubs in upcoming tournaments. “We appreciate the opportunity to host the FIFA Club World Cup. Our teams performed with distinction, and we look forward to even greater achievements in the future,” he stated.
Concluding his address, Infantino called on African football leaders to unite, emphasizing that collaboration is key to unlocking a prosperous future. “Let us come together to inspire dreams, create opportunities, and instill hope in every child across Africa,” he urged. “Collectively, we can amplify Africa’s voice on the global football stage.”
This powerful message reaffirmed FIFA’s dedication to fostering a thriving future for African football, marking a significant milestone in the sport’s evolution across the continent.
