Latest news with #WorldFootballSummit
Zawya
05-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
New Industry Report Reveals $80 Billion Investment Opportunity in African Football Development
World Football Summit ( the premier global event for the football industry, today released a comprehensive report on the state and future of African football, revealing unprecedented commercial opportunities as the continent prepares to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Morocco, Spain, and Portugal. The report, developed in collaboration with #AfricaScores intelligence platform, identifies five critical areas where smart businesses can engage with Africa's rapidly evolving football ecosystem: Key Findings: Digital leapfrog: Africa's 650+ million smartphone users by 2025 represent the world's fastest-growing mobile-first football audience Infrastructure surge: The continent requires approximately $80 billion in football infrastructure development by 2030 Women's football untapped potential: Despite dominating AFCON (68 total titles), commercial development remains nascent Next-gen talent pipelines: Ghana, Senegal, and Ivory Coast academies offer ROI through guaranteed talent development and brand alignment Regional maturation: North and West Africa lead commercial development, with fast-rising markets in Mauritania, Mali, and Sudan "African football stands at a critical juncture," said Tlhopie Motsepe, Chairman of Mamelodi Sundowns FC, during WFS Rabat 2025. "The Sky's the Limit is our motto. It's a call to inspire Africans to dream big, rise above limitations, and never let their environment define their potential." Morocco's Leadership Position The report highlights Morocco's strategic approach as a continental model, featuring: Nine stadiums are currently upgraded with smart technologies Comprehensive talent development framework combining education and sport Investment positioning as Africa's technology and innovation hub World Cup 2030 preparation alongside AFCON 2025 hosting. Strategic Opportunities Management Professionalization: Consulting opportunities in financial planning, organizational development, and strategic management Technology Integration: Mobile-first platforms for fan engagement, affordable analytics, and cloud-based solutions Infrastructure Development: Public-private partnerships for stadium development and facility management Talent Development: Academy partnerships and educational integration programs Commercial Evolution: From transactional sponsorship to purpose-driven partnerships The report emphasizes that success requires understanding local contexts while applying global best practices. 'Through World Football Summit's unique position connecting global football stakeholders, we've captured what forward-thinking businesses have already discovered: African football is no longer a developing market story—it's an investment-grade opportunity. This report provides essential, actionable strategies for entering and succeeding in Africa's football ecosystem. The question for global stakeholders isn't 'if' to engage, but 'where' to start their strategic entry—and the answers are right here,' said Jaime Domínguez, Content Director at World Football Summit. Download the full report: LINK ( Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Football Summit. Contact: Jaime Domínguez Communications Director World Football Summit Email: press@ Website: About World Football Summit: World Football Summit is a leading international organization for the football industry. Through its platform, we organize events across four continents that bring together key stakeholders from the ecosystem, fostering business opportunities, collaboration, and innovation in the sector.
South China Morning Post
18-04-2025
- Sport
- South China Morning Post
Football fever can benefit the local game in Hong Kong
An eventful few months in the local football scene will be capped by the World Football Summit, featuring legends of the game and showcasing the role of technology in ensuring the 'world game' remains on top of an increasingly competitive sporting entertainment sphere. Advertisement The city is to host the summit for consecutive years 2025-26-27, beginning in September at AsiaWorld-Expo. This year's event is expected to feature not only former champions but also influential figures from the tech industry including OpenAI CEO and co-founder Sam Altman. Confirmed speakers are said to include Brazilian icon Ronaldo Nazario, Spanish midfield maestro Andres Iniesta and former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger. Others attending include former Chelsea captain John Terry, former Italian star and manager Fabio Capello and former Italian star Francesco Totti. Brazilian Marta Vieira da Silva, six-time Fifa world player of the year and regarded as the greatest female player of all time, and American two-time Olympic gold medallist Mia Hamm will also visit for the summit. Advertisement The event will position Hong Kong as a premier destination for football enthusiasts. The announcement comes as the city also seeks to build on its Sevens rugby tournament fame and establish itself as a hub for major sporting events to boost its economy.
Zawya
15-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Critical Minerals Africa Group (CMAG) Appoints APO Group Founder, Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard, to Advisory Board
APO Group ( the award-winning pan-African communications consultancy and leading press release distribution service, is pleased to announce that its Founder and Chairman, Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard ( has been appointed to the newly formed Advisory Board of the Critical Minerals Africa Group (CMAG). With its mission being to position Africa as a leader in critical minerals, CMAG ( is dedicated to advancing responsible sourcing and sustainable development of Africa's critical mineral resources, while ensuring that local economies benefit from the continent's mineral wealth. With approximately 40% of the world's essential minerals reserves estimated to be held in Sub-Saharan Africa alone, the region plays a key role in the global energy transition and advanced technologies. Pompigne-Mognard's appointment to the Advisory Board follows the announcement of a strategic partnership between APO Group and CMAG aimed at raising the global prominence of Africa's critical minerals sector. The partnership leverages APO Group's public relations and strategic communications expertise and CMAG's industry leadership. Complementing this, Pompigne-Mognard's ability to connect clients with key stakeholders from governments, private companies, and organisations of all sizes will be invaluable in showcasing Africa's role in the global essential resources supply chain and elevating the profile of Africa's critical minerals sector. Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the CMAG Advisory Board. His vast network across industries, governments, and institutions, his deep understanding of Africa's media and technology landscapes, and his extensive business experience will equip him to work alongside fellow Advisory Board members to shape positive perceptions of Africa's critical minerals sector amongst global stakeholders and audiences. A Franco-Gabonese entrepreneur named among the 100 Most Influential Africans in 2023 and 2024, Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard serves on multiple high-profile advisory boards and international committees. These include the Senior Advisory Board of the Canada-Africa Chamber of Business and the Leadership Council of the Africa Tech Festival, as well as the Advisory Boards of the African Energy Chamber, World Football Summit, Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF), Bloomberg New Economy Gateway Africa, Sports Africa Investment Summit, EurAfrican Forum, and All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA). He is also a strategic advisor to the Chief Executive Officer of the Royal African Society of the United Kingdom, a strategic advisor to the EU-Africa Chamber of Commerce, and a special advisor to the President of Rugby Africa, the governing body of rugby in Africa. Nicolas' wholly-owned company, APO Group, is the premier award-winning Pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service. It serves more than 300 clients, including global giants such as Canon, Nestlé, Western Union, UNDP, Network International, the African Energy Chamber, Mercy Ships, Marriott, Africa's Business Heroes, and Liquid Intelligent Technologies. 'Being appointed to the Critical Minerals Africa Group Advisory Board is an immense honour. CMAG is vital in safeguarding Africa's critical minerals for future generations. In my advisory role, I look forward to supporting all initiatives as CMAG showcases Africa's critical minerals potential in a responsible and sustainable manner,' said Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard, Founder and Chairman of APO Group. Other members of the Advisory Board include Natznet Tesfay, Executive Director, Head of Insights and Analytics, S&P Global, and Richard Morgan, Former Head of Government Relations, Anglo-American PLC. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of APO Group. Media contact: marie@ About APO Group: Founded in 2007, APO Group ( is the leading award-winning pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service. Renowned for our deep-rooted African expertise and expansive global perspective, we specialise in elevating the reputation and brand equity of private and public organisations across Africa. As a trusted partner, our mission is to harness the power of media, crafting bespoke strategies that drive tangible, measurable impact both on the continent and globally. Our commitment to excellence and innovation has been recognised with multiple prestigious awards, including the PRovoke Media Global SABRE Award and multiple PRovoke Media Africa SABRE Awards. In 2023, we were named the Leading Public Relations Firm Africa and the Leading Pan-African Communications Consultancy Africa in the World Business Outlook Awards, and the Best Public Relations and Media Consultancy of the Year South Africa in 2024 in the same awards. In 2025, Brands Review Magazine acknowledged us as the Leading Communications Consultancy in Africa for the second consecutive year. They also named us the Best PR Agency and the Leading Press Release Distribution Platform in Africa in 2024. APO Group's esteemed clientele, which includes global giants such as Canon, Nestlé, Western Union, the UNDP, Network International, African Energy Chamber, Mercy Ships, Marriott, Africa's Business Heroes, and Liquid Intelligent Technologies, reflects our unparalleled ability to navigate the complex African media landscape. With a multicultural team across Africa, we offer unmatched, truly pan-African insights, expertise, and reach across the continent. APO Group is dedicated to reshaping narratives about Africa, challenging stereotypes, and bringing inspiring African stories to global audiences, with our expertise in developing and supporting public relations campaigns worldwide uniquely positioning us to amplify brand messaging, enhance reputations, and connect effectively with target audiences.
South China Morning Post
14-04-2025
- Sport
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong scores big as host of World Football Summit
Football legends Ronaldo Nazario, Andres Iniesta and Arsene Wenger are expected to visit Hong Kong in September for a major summit to be held in the city for the first time, the Post has learned. Advertisement The World Football Summit (WFS) will debut in Hong Kong from September 2 to 4 at AsiaWorld-Expo in Chek Lap Kok, with leading figures from the tech sector also expected to attend. Guests are expected to attend a dinner and tour the city on September 2, before the official summit takes place over the following two days. 'We are excited to share that the WFS will be hosted in Hong Kong for three consecutive years, specifically in 2025, 2026 and 2027,' a source said. The event boasts an impressive list of confirmed speakers, including Brazilian icon Ronaldo, Spanish midfield maestro Iniesta, ex-Arsenal manager Wenger and former England and Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand. Advertisement Other prominent figures from the sport who have confirmed their attendance include John Terry, Fabio Capello and Francesco Totti. Brazilian Marta Vieira da Silva, widely regarded as the greatest female footballer of all time with six Fifa World Player of the Year awards, and American two-time Olympic gold medallist Mia Hamm will also be visiting Hong Kong for the summit.
Zawya
10-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
World Football Summit Rabat at University Mohammed VI Polytechnic (UM6P) Concludes with Commitment to African Football Development and Global Collaboration
The inaugural edition of the World Football Summit (WFS) ( Rabat 2025, held in partnership with Evosport, a subsidiary of UM6P, and in collaboration with the Royal Moroccan Federation of Football concluded after two days of exchanges on the state and the trajectory of football in Africa and its links to global dynamics. Held on April 9 and 10 at UM6P's Rabat campus, the summit convened more than 1077 football industry leaders from 70 countries, including decision-makers from 65 clubs, leagues, and federations. Under the theme 'Where football innovation meets legacy', the event provided a platform for reflection on the evolving role of Morocco and Africa in shaping the global football landscape, particularly in light of the continent's growing visibility ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by Morocco alongside Spain and Portugal. "What we've witnessed in Rabat these past two days has been truly historic," said Jan Alessie, Co-founder and Managing Director of World Football Summit. "The quality of discussion, the level of engagement, and the genuine commitment to collaboration have exceeded our expectations. This summit has not only showcased Morocco's growing leadership in global football but has created tangible pathways for African football to accelerate its development through meaningful partnerships. The connections formed here between African football leaders and their international counterparts will yield benefits for years to come." Hicham El Habti, President of UM6P, stated: "WFS Rabat is a natural extension of our commitment to rethinking development models through knowledge, innovation, and continental collaboration. Football—like science, education, and technology—requires institutions that can convene, structure, and elevate ambition. By hosting and contributing to this summit, we are reinforcing Morocco's and Africa's capacity to lead with ideas, shape with values, and build ecosystems where excellence is cultivated and shared." The WFS Honors Ceremony, moderated by Mimi Fawaz (MC - WFS Rabat 2025), highlighted a number of initiatives and individuals whose work reflects a thoughtful approach to football development. The Academie Mohammed VI was recognized for its Local Grassroots Strategy to develop Sport. Frederic Kanoute received the WFS Honor for Exemplary Achievements in Football&Beyond for his contributions both on and off the pitch. OCP Group received the WFS Honor for Social&Community Impact through Sport for their transformative community initiatives. The Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) was recognized with the WFS Honor for Exceptional Development in Women's Football for their pioneering efforts in advancing the women's game in Morocco. Finally, the African Club Association (ACA) was granted the WFS Honor for Uniting African Football. Discussions throughout the two days addressed pressing challenges and opportunities in the football ecosystem. Topics ranged from talent retention and financial models to technological integration and regulatory governance. Fouzi Lekjaa, President of the Moroccan Football Federation, presented Morocco's vision for football development ahead of the 2030 World Cup. Shehu Dikko, Honourable Minister of Sports of Nigeria, reflected on how African football can become more sustainable. FIFA's Regional Director for Africa, Gelson Fernandes, discussed pathways for strengthening football governance, while CAF's Director of Tournaments, Samson Adamu, shared innovations in continental competitions formats. The summit drew participation from organizations such as FIFA CAF, or ECA, government ministers from Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya, as well as executives from properties such as LALIGA, FC Barcelona, or even the NBA, who engaged in discussions about cross-continental collaboration in sport governance and development. Moreover, partners including Royal Air Maroc and TAQA played essential roles in the summit's success, demonstrating the importance of public-private collaboration in advancing sports development. The WFS global series continues with upcoming events in Monterrey (June 2025), Hong Kong (September 2025), Madrid (October 2025), and Riyadh (December 2025), creating a year-round platform for the football industry to connect and collaborate across continents. For more information about World Football Summit's 2025 events and registration details, visit Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Football Summit. Contact: Jaime Domínguez Communications Director World Football Summit press@ About UM6P and Evosport: University Mohammed VI Polytechnic (UM6P) is a Moroccan university focusing on developing solutions to specific continental and more broadly global challenges. UM6P is oriented towards education and research, with strong links to industry, business, and innovation. The university commits itself to empowering a new generation of talents that will build and lead the future of Africa. EVOSPORT, a subsidiary of UM6P, was founded on the belief that sports serve as a powerful driver of socio-economic impact. The company aims to transform Morocco's sports industry by accelerating the development of a dynamic and sustainable sports ecosystem aligned with the country's strategic vision to position itself as a premier regional and global sports hub. Through an integrated and multidimensional approach, EVOSPORT seeks to redefine the sports sector by tackling current and future industry challenges and aspires to become a benchmark in the sports sector through its commitment to sustainable impact, investment, training, and human development. For more information: About World Football Summit: World Football Summit is a leading international organization for the football industry. Through its platform, we organize events across four continents that bring together key stakeholders from the ecosystem, fostering business opportunities, collaboration, and innovation in the sector. Thousands of professionals representing companies and institutions from around the world actively engage with WFS.
