Gianni Infantino reaffirms FIFA’s commitment to African football at CAF Strategy Conference

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has reaffirmed the world football governing body’s commitment to supporting the continued growth and development of football in Africa.

Infantino made the remarks following the CAF Strategy Conference in Cabo Verde, where football stakeholders held discussions on strengthening the continent’s football ecosystem and creating more opportunities for young players.

The FIFA president said the conference provided an opportunity to emphasise the need for collaboration and investment to ensure that children across Africa have access to the resources and pathways required to pursue their football ambitions.

“The CAF Strategy Conference in beautiful Cabo Verde was an opportunity to reiterate that football belongs to everyone, everywhere in the world and that it is our responsibility to create opportunities and to find the resources to make that happen,” Infantino said.

He also highlighted the importance of knowledge-sharing and cooperation among football stakeholders in building a stronger and more sustainable football structure across the continent.

“We had productive dialogue around sharing knowledge and learning from each other to build a robust ecosystem where children have the resources and pathways to fulfil their football dreams,” he added.

Infantino also reflected on the success of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, particularly the historic campaign of hosts Cabo Verde, while praising the broader progress of African football.

According to him, FIFA’s investment through the FIFA Forward programme has played a significant role in supporting football development across the continent.

“Reflecting on a successful FIFA World Cup 2026, including the inspiring journey of the Cabo Verde national team, I had the opportunity of congratulating everyone on our collective work that has resulted in the incredible rise of football in Africa,” he said.

“This has been powered by FIFA Forward investments of USD 1 billion, contributing to 124 projects in this football-loving continent in the last decade.”

Infantino stressed that FIFA intends to maintain its investment and cooperation with African football, with a particular focus on creating opportunities for the next generation.

“Our commitment remains to ensure the consistent growth of football here and we will continue working in a spirit of mutual cooperation and open communication so that young girls and boys have the opportunities they require to achieve success.”

The comments underline FIFA’s continued emphasis on grassroots development, infrastructure, knowledge-sharing and investment as key pillars of African football’s long-term growth.