DAR ES SALAAM: THE development of youth football across Africa has received a significant boost as TotalEnergies and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) have extended partnership for other four years.
The agreement, signed on Tuesday evening in Dar es Salaam by CAF President Patrice Motsepe and TotalEnergies Chairman and CEO, Patrick Pouyanné, focuses on enhancing support for youth and school football initiatives across the continent.
As part of this renewed collaboration, TotalEnergies will sponsor 12 major CAF tournaments and competitions from this year to 2028.
This includes flagship events such as the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Morocco 2024), the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (Morocco 2025) and the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda 2027).
In addition, TotalEnergies will play a key role in the CAF African Schools Football Championship, a programme dedicated to fostering young talent throughout Africa.
This partnership marks a significant step in TotalEnergies’ commitment to the development of grassroots football on the continent.
Motsepe emphasised the partnership’s importance, noting its impact on strengthening the global competitiveness of African football.
“This collaboration contributes to the development and global competitiveness of football across the 54 African countries whose football federations are members of CAF,” said Motsepe.
He also highlighted the success of CAF’s grassroots football initiatives, particularly the African Schools Football Championship, which has engaged approximately 800,000 boys and girls.
The partnership between CAF and TotalEnergies is rooted in shared values, including governance, ethics, transparency and a mutual commitment to Africa’s development.
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Motsepe praised TotalEnergies for investing in the future of African football, particularly at the grassroots level, where opportunities for young players are often limited.
“The values of governance, ethics, transparency, and community development are shared by both CAF and TotalEnergies. We are honoured to continue working with TotalEnergies and Chairman Pouyanné,” Motsepe remarked.
By becoming a principal partner in the CAF African Schools Football Championship, TotalEnergies is helping create a platform for young African boys and girls to develop their skills and showcase their talents, thereby laying the foundation for future football stars.
Motsepe also acknowledged the critical role corporate sponsorship plays in supporting CAF’s football development vision. He emphasised the importance of attracting partners who value both football and community welfare, ensuring that CAF’s legacy endures.
“When I’m gone, I want future leaders to continue working with TotalEnergies. Legacy matters,” he said.
0For his part, Pouyanné expressed pride in TotalEnergies’ ongoing partnership with CAF.
“Since 2016, TotalEnergies has been honored to support African football and we are excited to extend our collaboration for the next four years. Our commitment to the sport reflects our belief in diversity, unity and the values that resonate across Africa, a continent where we have long-standing ties,” said Pouyanné.
TotalEnergies’ relationship with CAF began in 2016, making the company the primary partner of African football.
The partnership has sponsored over 1,500 matches and has been a key supporter of CAF’s ten major championships, including the prestigious TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
With TotalEnergies continuing to reinforce its support for African football, this partnership promises to inspire the next generation of footballers and elevate the sport across the continent.
