EU, CAF Forge Landmark Partnership to Empower African Youth Through Football
Ahmed Emam
In a step intended to strengthen youth development and visibility of European investments across Africa, the European Union (EU) and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) decided to ink a three-year cooperation and sponsorship agreement.
The deal, which was formalized ahead of the CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations Final in Cairo, is set to deepen collaboration between Europe and Africa through sport, education, and community engagement.
Signed by European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela and CAF President Patrice Motsepe, the agreement marks a strategic alliance between the EU and Africa's football governing body. It will channel support toward CAF's youth and safeguarding programmes while promoting the EU's Global Gateway initiative, which seeks to mobilize up to €150 billion in sustainable investments across Africa by 2027.
At the heart of the partnership is the CAF African Schools Championship—Africa's largest youth football competition. Since its launch in 2022, the tournament has involved more than 1.9 million boys and girls from 46 countries. With the EU's backing, the competition is expected to expand to 33,000 schools, combining football with leadership training, education, and community involvement. The initiative is designed not only to foster talent on the pitch but to instill critical life values such as respect, perseverance, and teamwork. Prize money awarded to winners is reinvested into schools through infrastructure projects and educational resources.
The EU-CAF agreement also bolsters efforts to protect young athletes through the continent-wide Safeguarding Programme, launched by CAF in 2022. The initiative includes the appointment of dedicated safeguarding officers in all 54 CAF member associations, training sessions on preventing exploitation and trafficking, and a series of awareness campaigns under the banner #ProtectTheDream. These measures aim to create safe environments for children and teenagers involved in football as they transition from grassroots to elite levels.
Beyond youth competitions, the EU will be actively involved in several of CAF's flagship tournaments, including the Women's Africa Cup of Nations in 2025 and 2026, the Men's AFCON in 2025 and 2027, and ongoing safeguarding and school-based activities. These events provide a significant platform for the EU to enhance its presence and reinforce its commitment to Africa's development goals.
The partnership reflects a broader EU strategy to use sport as a driver for social change. Through the Global Gateway initiative, the EU is investing in areas ranging from renewable energy and digital infrastructure to education and healthcare. Projects such as the Lobito Corridor in Southern Africa, the Nachtigal Hydropower Plant in Cameroon, and vocational training programmes in Angola and Senegal underline Europe's long-term commitment to Africa's sustainable growth.
Motsepe praised the agreement as a transformative step for African football and youth empowerment. 'Football is more than a game. It's a platform to build futures, strengthen communities, and create lasting partnerships,' he said. Commissioner Síkela echoed the sentiment, calling the partnership 'a bridge between continents' that will deliver impact where it's needed most.
read more
Japan Stun Spain 2-1 to Qualify for World Cup Last 16
World Cup 2022: Get to Know Confirmed Line-ups of Japan and Spain Group E Decider
Saudi Arabia Bid Farewell to World Cup after 2-1 Loss to Mexico
Tunisia Achieve Historic Win over France but Fail to Qualify
Tunisia to Clash against France in World Cup
Sports
Get to Know Squad of Group D Teams in World Cup
Sports
Al Ahly Gift EGP 70,000 to Players After Claiming Egyptian Super Cup Title
Sports
Bencharki Hits First 2 Goals with Al Jazira Since Leaving Zamalek
Sports
Arsenal Possible Line-up for Nottingham Forest
News
Egypt confirms denial of airspace access to US B-52 bombers
Lifestyle
Pistachio and Raspberry Cheesecake Domes Recipe
News
Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia
News
Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content
Arts & Culture
Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's $4.7M LA Home Burglarized
Sports
Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer
Sports
Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers
News
Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies
Arts & Culture
New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple
Business
Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
See - Sada Elbalad
4 hours ago
- See - Sada Elbalad
Brad Pitt, Channing Tatum Team On Isle Of Man Movie, Docuseries
Yara Sameh Following one of the more unique auctions the industry has seen in some time, Amazon MGM Studios has landed a film and docuseries package on the legendary Isle of Man Tourist Trophy Race with movie stars Brad Pitt and Channing Tatum involved. Tatum is attached to star in the film about the motorcycle races, which will be directed by Dog director Reid Carolin, who also wrote the script with Jason Keller and Bryan Johnson. It will be produced by Tatum and Carolin's Free Association, Pitt's Plan B and Entertainment 360's Guymon Casady and Jason Keller. The docuseries was filmed during last year's TT races with never-before-seen access to the riders and the races due to an exclusive partnership between the producers and the event promoters. It was produced by the same group, along with pre-eminent sports documentary producer Box to Box Films and Mediawan — the leading independent European studio and majority stakeholder of Plan B — with the participation of Entourage Ventures. Plot details remain under wraps, but the scope and history of the legendary race have all the notes of an epic feature film. Long before Formula 1, World Endurance and MotoGP, there was the Isle of Man TT. As the world's oldest continuously running motorsport event, it remains a one-of-a-kind spectacle. With riders pushing man and machine to the edge at nearly 200 mph, the TT represents the pinnacle of sporting endeavor and the relentless pursuit of glory. The never-before-seen docuseries is a 4×45-minute cinematic, character-driven series where riders chase their dreams and embrace life to its fullest. Through intimate moments, the series explore what drives these extreme riders to take such risks. The series looks into the consequences of this commitment, not only for them but for those around them. It is not just a thrilling adventure experienced through these extraordinary individuals but a deep dive into what sometimes drives us as human beings. For most of its century-long history, the Isle of Man TT was an event experienced only by dedicated motorbike enthusiasts who made the pilgrimage to the island or tuned in via radio. However, the 2022 launch of livestreaming through the TT's OTT platform, TT+, marked a new era, offering full coverage of every qualifying session and race. Combined with an enhanced social media strategy, this shift has spurred greater public interest, with online searches for the event doubling over the past two years. The film and docuseries represent key pillars in the development of a major franchise set to expand across a 360-degree strategy, building on the success of major IPs developed by the talented creators of the Mediawan group and embraced by audiences worldwide such as Call My Agent, The Count of Monte Cristo or Miraculous. Tatum and Carolin have had strong ties going back to when the two launched the Magic Mike franchise that Tatum starred in, Carolin penned and both produced. The film would mark the second film Carolin has directed following the hit MGM feature Dog, which Tatum also starred in and produced. As for Pitt and Plan B, they seem to have a strong feel for racing films these days as the upcoming Warner Bros. and Apple pic F1 bows this month. Pitt stars in the pic, which already is earning strong buzz. read more New Tourism Route To Launch in Old Cairo Ahmed El Sakka-Led Play 'Sayidati Al Jamila' to Be Staged in KSA on Dec. 6 Mandy Moore Joins Season 2 of "Dr. Death" Anthology Series Don't Miss These Movies at 44th Cairo Int'l Film Festival Today Amr Diab to Headline KSA's MDLBEAST Soundstorm 2022 Festival Arts & Culture Mai Omar Stuns in Latest Instagram Photos Arts & Culture "The Flash" to End with Season 9 Arts & Culture Ministry of Culture Organizes four day Children's Film Festival Arts & Culture Canadian PM wishes Muslims Eid-al-Adha News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan
CAF
8 hours ago
- CAF
CAF Launches TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON Stars Spotlight Webinar series to shine global light on women's football in Africa
Published: Thursday, 05 June 2025 As part of its commitment to elevating the profile of women's football in Africa, the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) has announced the launch of a dynamic digital series titled the TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON Stars Spotlight Webinar. The initiative is part of CAF's broader efforts to amplify the upcoming TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Morocco 2024, scheduled to take place between 5 - 26 July. The TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON is CAF's flagship women's football competition and continues to experience exceptional growth in global viewership, fan attendance and commercial strength. Set to take place over three different segments on 9 June (French language), 16 June (Arabic) and 23 June (English), the webinar series will feature some of the continent's leading footballers alongside influential media voices in a compelling, multilingual format. Some of the international women's football stars will take part in the series, include reigning CAF Women's Footballer of the year Barbra Banda (Zambia), Fideline Ngoy (DR Congo), Safietou Sagna (Senegal), Doha El Madani (Morocco) and Thembi Kgatlana (South Africa), amongst others. The line-up for the first webinar on Monday, 9 June at 15:00 GMT includes moderator Katty Toure and the following players: Sofia Guellati (Algeria) (Algeria) Fideline Ngoy (DR Congo) (DR Congo) Agueisha Diarra (Mali) (Mali) Safietou Sagna (Senegal) (Senegal) Chaima Abbassi (Tunisia) The sessions are designed to highlight Africa's deep reservoir of talent and celebrate the unique stories of players who are driving the women's game forward across the globe. Speaking ahead of the three-day webinar, CAF Head of Women's Football Maskerem Goshime said the initiatives forms part of a number of exciting initiatives that will be rolled out by CAF ahead of the much-anticipated continental showpiece between 5 – 26 July. 'The TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON Stars Spotlight Webinar is more than a conversation series – it is a celebration of excellence, resilience, and the inspiring journey of Africa's finest women's footballers. As we count down to Morocco 2024, these sessions will offer media and the global football community a unique window into the personalities and passions behind the players lighting up the continent and the world. This and many other exciting initiatives will be rolled out by CAF in the next few weeks as we continue count down to the biggest women's football event on African soil.' TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON Stars Spotlight Webinar Details: SESSION I – French Date: 9 June 2025 - Time: 15:00 GMT Featured Players: Sofia Guellati (Algeria) (Algeria) Fideline Ngoy (DR Congo) (DR Congo) Agueisha Diarra (Mali) (Mali) Safietou Sagna (Senegal) (Senegal) Chaima Abbassi (Tunisia) SESSION II – Arabic & Others Date: 16 June 2025 - Time: 15:00 GMT Featured Players: Opa Clement Tukumbuke (Tanzania) – Swahili (Tanzania) – Swahili Ghislaine Chebbak (Morocco) (Morocco) Doha El Madani (Morocco) SESSION III – English Date: 23 June 2025 - Time: 15:00 GMT Featured Players: Jennifer Cudjoe (Ghana) (Ghana) Rasheedat Ajibade (Nigeria) (Nigeria) Thembi Kgatlana (South Africa) (South Africa) Sedilame Maitumelo Bosija (Botswana) (Botswana) Barbra Banda (Zambia) For more on the TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON, Morocco 2024, visit -ENDS- Further Inquiries: communications@ CAF | Communication Department
CAF
a day ago
- CAF
CAF deepens reforms with Governance and Finance workshop in Benin
The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) has taken another significant step in its mission to strengthen the governance and financial frameworks of African football with a three-day workshop held in Cotonou, Benin, from 2–4 June 2025. The initiative brought together General Secretaries and Finance Directors from 17 Member Associations of the continental football governing body. This marks the fourth edition of the Governance and Finance workshop, and with it, CAF has successfully ensured the participation of all 54 Member Associations in this new initiative. This milestone underscores CAF's commitment to inclusive development and strengthening capacity across the entire African football landscape. The workshop is part of CAF's ongoing governance drive towards a continent-wide effort, inspired by the vision of CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe, to make African football globally respected and sustainably run. The workshop in Cotonou, Benin was led by CAF's Member Associations Division in collaboration with the Legal Affairs Division. The intensive programme covered governance, financial processes, model statutes, conflict of interest policies, and audit mechanisms. Day one focused on legal governance, while day two explored core financial governance principles, including budgeting, procurement, and financial compliance. The final day included a review session and the creation of action plans. CAF Director of Member Associations, Sarah Mukuna, described the event as 'another milestone in CAF's commitment to empowering our Member Associations with the tools to be globally competitive and self-sustaining.' 'There is no growth in football without solid structures,' Mukuna said. 'Workshops like this equip administrators with clear understanding of governance roles, responsibilities, and ethical frameworks. Our goal is to build strong institutions at every level of African football.' Participants echoed the sentiment. Claude Paqui, General Secretary of Benin's Football Association, said: 'This is an excellent initiative. The workshop has equipped many with essential tools to govern and manage their federations effectively. For those who had prior exposure, this was a valuable refresher.' For Fernanda de Jesus Jama António, General Secretary of Angola's FA, the experience was both technical and transformative. 'We tackled fundamental topics: governance structures, corruption risks, stakeholder management, and financial control. The practical case studies made the sessions relevant and applicable to our national contexts,' she said. Pascal Deto, Finance Director of Côte d'Ivoire's FA, praised the clarity with which the workshop outlined the responsibilities of senior federation leaders. 'It helped define the roles of the President, General Secretary, and Finance Director—especially regarding delegation of authority and collaborative governance,' he said. The Cotonou gathering concluded with Member Associations developing customised action plans to implement reforms upon return to their countries. The next step in CAF's governance programme is to deliver dedicated governance workshops directly within Member Associations. This localized approach will allow for deeper engagement with individual federation structures and the specific challenges they face, further reinforcing CAF's commitment to building sustainable and accountable football institutions across Africa. Previous editions of the workshop have been held in Johannesburg, Addis Ababa and Alger. As CAF continues to roll out these initiatives across the continent, African football's future will depend not only on talent and performance but also on the strength of its institutions.
