The Confederation of African Football (Caf) has announced that it will host a strategic conference in Santa Maria, Cape Verde, from October 7-9, 2026. The conference, convened by Caf President Dr. Patrice Motsepe, will bring together the presidents of the 54 member associations, zonal union presidents, Caf executive committee members, national team coaches, and international football experts. The event aims to shape the future of African football.
The conference will focus on two main pillars: strengthening the development and sustainability of football in Africa and analyzing the performance of the continent's 10 representatives at the 2026 Fifa World Cup. The gathering will provide an opportunity for stakeholders to assess the progress made and prepare for future successes, including the 2030 edition. The Caf president will lead the discussions, which are expected to be informative and insightful.
The conference will feature a diverse range of participants, including the 10 African nations that participated in the 2026 Fifa World Cup, their coaches, and top trainers from the 44 other Caf member associations. Renowned experts, including those from Fifa's technical study group led by Arsène Wenger, will also attend. Additionally, coaches of African women's national teams qualified for the 2027 Fifa Women's World Cup and those of African U-17 teams participating in the 2026 Fifa U-17 World Cup will be in attendance.
The strategic conference is an historic event that will provide a platform for African football stakeholders to engage in meaningful discussions about the sport's future. With the participation of top officials, coaches, and experts, the conference is expected to generate valuable insights and ideas. Caf's initiative demonstrates its commitment to promoting and developing football in Africa.
According to Caf, the conference is a critical step towards ensuring the continued growth and success of African football. By bringing together key stakeholders, the organization aims to foster collaboration, innovation, and progress. The event's outcomes are expected to have a positive impact on the development of football in Africa.
The conference program will likely include presentations, discussions, and workshops focused on various aspects of football development, including infrastructure, talent identification, and coaching. Participants will have the opportunity to share experiences, best practices, and ideas on how to improve the sport in Africa. The event's success will depend on the active engagement and participation of all attendees.
The Caf strategic conference in Cape Verde will conclude on October 9, 2026, with a clear understanding of the way forward for African football. The outcomes of the conference will be communicated to the football community, and the organization will work to implement the agreed-upon strategies and recommendations. The event marks an important milestone in Caf's efforts to promote and develop football in Africa.
Key points
- Caf to host strategic conference in Cape Verde from October 7-9, 2026.
