Infantino reaffirms FIFA’s commitment to Africa

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to African football, revealing that over USD 1 billion has been invested on the continent since the launch of the FIFA Forward Programme in 2016.

Speaking during the 47th CAF Ordinary General Assembly held in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, Infantino said the initiative has transformed football development across Africa — and by the end of 2026, total investment is projected to reach USD $1.28 billion.

The FIFA President emphasised football’s greater responsibility beyond the pitch — to “give hope and dreams to the children of Africa.” Addressing delegates from all 54 African member associations, he urged unity and collective effort in shaping a bright future for African football.

CAF President Patrice Motsepe expressed gratitude to FIFA for its growing support, notably through the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™, where four African giants — Al Ahly, Espérance Sportive de Tunis, Mamelodi Sundowns, and Wydad AC — competed against top global clubs.

Infantino highlighted that players from 19 African nations, including nine that have never featured at the FIFA World Cup™ — such as Burkina Faso, Congo, Gabon, Guinea, Mali, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania, and Uganda — took part in the tournament.

“It was a huge success this summer,” Infantino said. “Africa was not only represented by four clubs, but by nations across the continent, showing how far our game has grown.”

The FIFA Forward Programme has provided funding for infrastructure, competitions, and operational support for CAF, its regional bodies, and national associations. Between 2016 and September 2025, total investments reached USD 1.06 billion, with USD 1.08 billion earmarked for Africa’s 54 MAs by the end of the current cycle.

FIFA’s efforts extend beyond investment to increased participation opportunities. The continent will have nine or possibly ten teams at the FIFA World Cup 26™, while ten African nations will feature at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025™, and five at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2025™ hosted in Morocco.

Motsepe lauded FIFA’s commitment, saying: “The four clubs that represented us did very well, and we’re confident they’ll do even better next time. Thank you, Gianni, for your continued sacrifices and support.”

Infantino also revealed plans to establish 20–30 FIFA Academies across Africa by 2027 under the FIFA Talent Development Scheme (TDS), aimed at nurturing young talent through structured training and facilities. The Football for Schools programme, he added, is already active in over 40 African countries, inspiring the next generation of players.
“We may not all become legends like Samuel Eto’o, Emmanuel Adebayor, or El Hadji Diouf,” Infantino remarked, “but we all share the duty to work hard to give dreams, chances, and hope to every child in Africa.”

He concluded with a rallying message:

“Let’s stay united — united as Africa, united as football — to make our voice stronger and our future brighter.”