CAF to bring African football leaders together for 2030 strategy conference

CAF president Dr Patrice Motsepe will bring together African football leaders in Cape Verde next week for a strategy conference aimed at shaping the development of the game on the continent through to 2030.

The CAF Strategy Conference will take place on the island of Sal from 7 to 9 October 2026, bringing together representatives from across African and world football.

The summit will include the presidents of CAF’s 54 member associations, representatives of FIFA, members of the CAF Executive Committee, as well as international coaches and football experts.

The meeting will focus on identifying priorities for the development of African football and establishing a roadmap for the years ahead.

Discussions will cover several areas considered important to the continent’s football development, including infrastructure, technical staff training and the competitiveness of domestic leagues.

The organisation of men’s and women’s national teams will also form part of the discussions as African football leaders consider how to strengthen structures across the continent.

The conference is being held under the themes of excellence and sustainable development, with participants expected to examine lessons from recent global sporting events and consider how those experiences can contribute to further development in Africa.

Motsepe will lead the discussions as the continent’s football authorities consider the steps required to build on recent sporting achievements and establish stronger long-term structures.

The choice of Santa Maria on the island of Sal as the venue is also intended to underline CAF’s focus on turning recent successes on the pitch into sustainable development away from it.

The summit will bring together decision-makers from national associations and international football organisations, alongside coaches and experts, creating a broad forum for discussions about the future direction of the game.

Infrastructure development will be among the areas under consideration, while the training and development of technical staff will also receive attention.

The competitiveness of domestic leagues is another key area, with the conference providing an opportunity to discuss ways of strengthening local competitions.

National teams, both men’s and women’s, will also feature in the discussions as CAF seeks to address the structures supporting international football.

The three-day meeting in Cape Verde is expected to provide the basis for future discussions and decisions about African football’s development through to 2030.

CAF’s stated aim is to use the conference to build a more modern and sustainable football structure across the continent.

The gathering will therefore bring together the continent’s key football decision-makers in one location as they work on a shared roadmap for the next stage of African football’s development.