CAF president Motsepe to discuss future of African football at CNN Global Perspectives 2026

President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Dr Patrice Motsepe, will join global leaders from government, business, sport and other sectors at the CNN Global Perspectives 2026 event in Doha, Qatar, on Thursday, October 29.

Motsepe is expected to participate in a high-level discussion on the future of football, with particular attention to the transformation of African football, its growing commercial value and the continent’s increasing influence on the global sporting stage.

The event will bring together influential figures and decision-makers to examine key developments shaping business, technology, culture and global affairs, providing a platform for discussions on opportunities and challenges across different sectors.

Motsepe’s participation is expected to place African football at the centre of conversations about the sport’s global development, particularly as the continent continues to strengthen its position within the international game.

Under his leadership, CAF has pursued efforts to develop African football, improve competitions and expand the commercial opportunities available to national associations and clubs. The sport’s growing global profile has also increased discussions around investment, sponsorship, infrastructure and the need to create sustainable revenue streams for African football.

The session on football’s future will provide an opportunity to discuss how the continent can build on its talent base, attract greater commercial investment and translate its growing influence into long-term development.

African football continues to attract international attention through its players, competitions and passionate supporters, while the continent’s potential as a commercial market remains an important consideration for stakeholders in the global game.

Motsepe’s appearance at the Doha event will therefore offer a platform to address the direction of African football and its place in the wider international sporting economy.

CNN Global Perspectives 2026 is designed to bring together leaders from different fields to exchange views on the forces shaping the future. The October 29 gathering is expected to feature discussions on issues extending beyond sport, including business, technology and global affairs.