CAF President Patrice Motsepe praises Morocco’s global football rise at Africa Forward summit

CAF President Patrice Motsepe has praised Morocco for its growing influence in world football, insisting that the North African nation “deserves respect” for its contributions to the game.

Speaking during the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi on Tuesday, Motsepe highlighted Morocco’s role in elevating African football on the global stage through investment, infrastructure, and successful tournament organisation.

Morocco’s AFCON success highlighted

The CAF president used the summit to underline the impressive impact of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations hosted by Morocco.

According to figures shared during the event, the tournament attracted nearly 2.5 billion television viewers worldwide, generated 6.2 billion digital interactions, and reached audiences in 118 countries.

The competition also reportedly contributed around $2 billion to the Moroccan economy.

Motsepe said the numbers demonstrate the commercial growth and increasing global appeal of African football.

African leaders gather at major summit

Motsepe delivered his remarks in the presence of William Ruto, Emmanuel Macron, more than 30 African heads of state, international institutions, and thousands of innovators, entrepreneurs, and investors attending the summit.

He credited Morocco’s football development model for helping CAF competitions gain stronger international visibility and recognition.

Morocco’s World Cup run still inspiring Africa

The CAF president also reflected on Morocco’s historic performance at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where the Atlas Lions became the first African and Arab nation to reach the semifinals.

Motsepe said the achievement transformed perceptions of African football around the world and inspired pride across the continent.

Focus shifts to AFCON 2027 preparations

Looking ahead, Motsepe expressed optimism about the success of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.

He assured stakeholders that preparations for the tournament are progressing positively and said the competition would further strengthen Africa’s position in global football.