FIFA President Gianni Infantino has confirmed that the global football governing body has invested more than $1 billion in football in Africa since the introduction of the FIFA Forward Programme in 2016.
Infantino made the revelation during his keynote speech on Monday evening at the 47th CAF Ordinary General Assembly in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). He explained that the investment was part of FIFA’s long-term vision to build football on the continent as a whole through competitions, training sessions, as well as infrastructure development for all 54 FIFA Member Associations in Africa.
Highlighting football’s power to inspire and unite communities, Infantino said the game remains a hope for countless African children. Infantino praised CAF President Patrice Motsepe for collaboration and leadership, saying FIFA’s efforts in collaboration with CAF have been central to introducing the best of African talent to the globe.
Infantino welcomed the qualification of four African clubs Al Ahly FC, Espérance Sportive de Tunis, Mamelodi Sundowns FC, and Wydad AC to the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup as a moment of pride for African football. He also noted that 19 African nations’ players have been featured in the tournament, with some countries having made their debuts, including Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Tanzania.
It was a huge success with four African teams participating,” Infantino said. “It demonstrated Africa’s growing voice on the world stage of football and the phenomenal quantity of talent at its disposal on the continent.”.
In the coming future, Infantino outlined FIFA’s plans for the continent in the future, including the creation of 20 to 30 FIFA Academies on the continent under the FIFA Talent Development Scheme by 2027. He added that Football for Schools, which is already running in over 40 countries in Africa, would continue to develop grassroots football and provide young players with sporting and life skills.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe, for his part, expressed appreciation to FIFA for ongoing support, noting the collaboration has opened up new paths for African teams to play and succeed on the global scene. “Our clubs have performed tremendously well, and we are anticipating even greater success in future tournaments,” he said.
In his last remarks, Infantino urged African football chiefs to be resolute and one in making a more robust future for football. “Let us unite to provide hope, prospects, and aspirations to all the children of Africa,” he declared. “Together, we can have a robust and united voice for African football on the global stage.”
The speech was a milestone in FIFA’s continued drive for Africa’s football development and its vision to place the continent at the forefront of the world’s game.
