Saudi fund and FIFA launch USD 1 billion sports infrastructure drive for developing nations, including Africa

The Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) and FIFA have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to unlock up to USD 1 billion in concessional loans aimed at transforming sports infrastructure in developing nations, with a significant number of African countries expected to benefit from the programme.

The initiative is designed to support developing nations and their respective FIFA Member Associations (MAs), prioritising countries with clear long-term strategies to use sport as a catalyst for national development.

The financing will enable the construction and enhancement of FIFA-certified stadiums and key surrounding infrastructure, directly contributing to social inclusion, youth empowerment, and economic opportunity.

The agreement reflects a shared commitment to strengthening sports ecosystems—particularly in regions where modern facilities remain limited. For Africa, where demand for quality sports infrastructure continues to grow, the partnership presents a major opportunity to bridge the facilities gap, enhance community participation, and elevate the standard of football from grassroots to elite levels.

Evidence of sport’s economic potential is compelling. Independent reports show that the global sports economy accounts for nearly 2% of world GDP, underscoring its impact on employment, tourism, and local enterprise. Yet, among the 211 FIFA Member Associations, many countries—especially across Africa—still lack world-class facilities necessary to fully harness these benefits.

Through this collaboration, SFD and FIFA will work closely with national authorities to design and deliver projects that support long-term economic resilience.

The new multi-sport stadiums and surrounding infrastructure are expected to create jobs, stimulate local businesses, promote education and social cohesion, and provide young people with safe, modern environments to train and compete.

The concessional financing will also serve as a foundation for attracting additional partners—regional bodies, private-sector investors, and development institutions—creating a scalable model for sports-driven development across emerging economies.

Sultan bin Abdulrahman Al-Marshad, CEO of the SFD, noted:

“Sport is more than competition—it is a catalyst for development and inclusion. Through concessional financing, we are helping countries build the infrastructure they need to unlock potential, empower young people, and strengthen communities for generations to come.”

FIFA President Gianni Infantino added:

“Many of our Member Associations need additional support to develop the infrastructure required to host competitions. This agreement with SFD is a crucial step in making football truly global by ensuring all nations—especially developing ones—have access to world-class facilities.”

For SFD, the initiative builds on over 50 years of development impact spanning more than 800 projects in 100 countries. With sport increasingly recognised as a driver of economic and social transformation, the fund is elevating sports infrastructure as a central pillar of its development agenda, opening new avenues of opportunity—particularly for Africa’s growing young population.

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