The president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Patrice Motsepe, has held a series of high-level meetings with leading global business figures aimed at strengthening partnerships and expanding the international reach of African football.
The talks brought together senior executives from some of CAF’s key commercial partners, including Christel Heydemann of Orange S.A., Yasser Shaker, Arthur Hoeld of Puma SE, and David Mignot of Canal+ Group.
CAF said the discussions were focused on reinforcing long-term collaborations while also identifying new opportunities to grow the sport across the continent and beyond.
The meetings are part of a broader effort to position African football more prominently on the global stage.
Senior CAF officials, including Véron Mosengo-Omba, Hassan El Kamah and Luxolo September, also took part in the discussions.
A key theme across the meetings was the strengthening of commercial partnerships, alongside improving broadcast capabilities and digital engagement.
CAF is seeking to expand the visibility of its competitions and make them more accessible to audiences both within Africa and internationally.
Particular emphasis was placed on the continued growth of the Africa Cup of Nations, widely regarded as the continent’s flagship football tournament.
CAF noted that the competition has seen increasing global attention and is now among the most followed tournaments worldwide.
Talks with Orange S.A. centred on improving technology and connectivity infrastructure, as well as enhancing fan engagement across Africa.
The company has been a long-standing partner of CAF, particularly in supporting digital innovation and communication platforms linked to football events.
Meanwhile, discussions with Puma SE explored ways to further develop football talent and promote African players on the global stage.
The sportswear company has been involved in various initiatives aimed at supporting the development of the game, including sponsorship and branding opportunities.
Broadcasting was another major focus during the meetings. Conversations with Canal+ Group examined how innovation in media and storytelling could help elevate the profile of African football.
CAF is keen to strengthen how its competitions are presented, with the aim of reaching wider audiences and improving the overall viewing experience.
The meetings reflect CAF’s ongoing strategy to modernise African football and increase its commercial appeal.
By working closely with global partners, the organisation hopes to unlock new revenue streams, improve infrastructure, and ensure that African competitions remain competitive and attractive on the world stage.
CAF believes that such collaborations will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the sport across the continent, while also reinforcing its position within the global football landscape.
