FIFA has committed more than USD 1.2 billion to football development projects in Africa from 2016 to 2025. This investment highlights the continent’s growing importance in global football development.
The funding, provided through the FIFA Forward Programme, accounts for 23.6 percent of the total global funding under this initiative, making Africa one of the largest beneficiaries of FIFA’s main development project.
STRONG FINANCIAL COMMITMENT TO AFRICAN MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS
With the FIFA Forward funding model, each African Member Association (MA) receives USD 8 million every four years. This amount is meant to cover operational costs and long-term development projects.
To promote fairness and sustainability, FIFA has also set up targeted support for financially vulnerable associations.
Each Member Association that earns less than USD 4 million annually is given an extra USD 1.2 million. This additional funding is specifically for travel logistics and buying equipment.
This support has been vital in helping smaller football nations stay competitive and meet international standards.
INFRASTRUCTURE AT THE HEART OF DEVELOPMENT
Infrastructure development is a key part of FIFA Forward’s impact in Africa. Between 2016 and 2025, the program has enabled 201 infrastructure projects across the continent.
More than USD 100 million has been invested in:
▪ Technical Centres
▪ Member Association Headquarters and administrative offices
▪ Medical and sports science facilities
▪ Multipurpose football development buildings
These projects aim to provide African football associations with permanent facilities that support grassroots development, elite training, administration, and player welfare.
CLEAR REQUIREMENTS BEFORE FUNDING ACCESS
FIFA has set strict eligibility requirements to ensure that infrastructure development comes first before spending on other areas.
Each Member Association must have:
▪ A functional Headquarters
▪ A technical centre
▪ Access to a stadium approved for FIFA World Cup preliminary competition matches
Only after meeting these basic requirements can associations use Forward funds for other purposes, such as starting new domestic leagues, buying equipment, or funding competitions.
In special cases, the FIFA Development Committee can change these requirements or grant exceptions based on suggestions from the FIFA General Secretariat. This allows for flexibility in addressing unique national challenges.
RIGOROUS PROJECT APPROVAL PROCESS
The approval process for FIFA Forward projects is thorough.
Every request from a Member Association goes through several levels of review. It starts with the FIFA Development Committee, then an assessment from an Expert Panel, and concludes with a final evaluation by FIFA Regional Teams.
Only after successfully completing this detailed process can a project receive approval. This system reinforces accountability, transparency, and effective fund use.
STADIUM INFRASTRUCTURE: Progress and Gaps
Despite advances, stadium infrastructure remains a significant challenge across Africa.
▪ 36 Member Associations currently have FIFA-approved stadiums.
▪ 18 Member Associations still do not have approved stadiums, forcing them to hold international matches elsewhere.
This gap has financial, logistical, and competitive effects, especially during World Cup and AFCON qualifying seasons.
FIFA AND SAUDI FUNDING PARTNER ON STADIUM DEVELOPMENT
To tackle this issue, FIFA has stepped up efforts to improve stadium infrastructure. This includes a major partnership with the Saudi Fund for Development.
Gelson Fernandes, a former Swiss international and FIFA Director of Regional Member Associations for Africa, discussed the initiative:
“Towards achieving this, FIFA and the Saudi Fund for Development signed a Memorandum of Understanding to allocate about USD 1 billion in concessional loans for building and repairing sports stadiums and essential surrounding infrastructure in developing countries worldwide.”
Fernandes emphasized that modern stadiums are now essential in international football:
“High-quality stadiums are necessary to meet evolving FIFA and confederation standards for safety, operations, and fan experience.”
FIFA’S LONG-TERM VISION FOR AFRICA
FIFA has reaffirmed its dedication to sustainable football development in Africa, focusing on cooperation with national governments and local partners.
“FIFA is committed to infrastructure development across Africa and has made significant progress towards this goal with government support,” Fernandes added.
A TRANSFORMATIONAL DECADE FOR AFRICAN FOOTBALL
The scale of FIFA Forward investment between 2016 and 2025 marks a transformative era for African football.
While challenges remain, especially in stadium infrastructure, the financial support, reforms in governance, and increasing focus on sustainability indicate a long-term plan to bridge the development gap.
As Africa continues to cultivate world-class talent and grow its football economy, the success of FIFA Forward projects will be crucial in shaping the continent’s competitiveness, self-sufficiency, and global influence in the future.
