Morocco’s Fouzi Lekjaa joins CAF strategic conference in Cape Verde

10:32

By: Azzat Manal

Morocco’s Fouzi Lekjaa joins CAF strategic conference in Cape Verde

Moroccan Football Federation President and Confederation of African Football (CAF) First Vice-President Fouzi Lekjaa took part on Thursday in CAF’s strategic conference in Cape Verde, a three-day gathering focused on the future development and long-term sustainability of African football.

Held from October 7 to 9, the conference brought together representatives of CAF’s 54 member associations, regional football bodies, executive committee members, national team coaches, technical officials and international experts. The meeting aims to establish a roadmap for strengthening the sport across the continent, both on and off the pitch.

The opening ceremony was attended by Cape Verdean President Janira Hopffer Almada, CAF President Patrice Motsepe and FIFA President Gianni Infantino, highlighting the importance of cooperation between national football associations and international governing bodies.

Discussions are centered on strengthening national federations, improving governance and administrative management, and building sustainable structures capable of supporting long-term sporting progress. These priorities reflect broader efforts to ensure that African football benefits from stronger institutions alongside improvements in team performance.

A key part of the conference involves a closed strategic meeting involving representatives of all 54 CAF member associations. Participants are examining ways to improve organizational capacity, reinforce management practices and establish development models that can support football at every level.

The programme also focuses on reviewing African teams’ performances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The assessment is intended to identify lessons from the tournament and determine how national associations can prepare more effectively for future international competitions.

A high-level technical review scheduled for Friday will bring together Arsène Wenger, FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development, and several national team coaches, including Morocco’s Mohamed Ouahbi. The session is expected to examine the performances of African sides and discuss possible approaches to improving competitiveness on the global stage.

Lekjaa’s participation reflects Morocco’s involvement in continental football governance, as the country continues to engage in discussions concerning development strategies, institutional reform and international competition. As CAF’s member associations consider their priorities, the conference provides a forum to exchange experience and coordinate efforts to strengthen the African game.

The gathering comes amid growing ambitions to expand Africa’s presence in international football. Its long-term impact will depend on how the proposals discussed are translated into practical measures, sustained investment and measurable improvements in player development, infrastructure and the management of national federations.