World Football Summit to Explore Africa’s Football Future in Rabat

Doha – World Football Summit (WFS) will hold its first African edition in Rabat on April 9-10, 2025, bringing together global football stakeholders to discuss the continent’s football development.

The event, organized in partnership with EVOSPORT and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), will take place at the Rabat campus of Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P).

Under the theme “Cultivating Africa’s Future Football Legacy Beyond the World Cup,” the summit aims to address critical aspects of football development across the continent, where the sports industry is experiencing an 8% annual growth rate.

“Africa is one of the most promising frontiers in global football, with vast untapped potential, particularly in media rights, infrastructure, and talent development,” said Jan Alessie, Co-founder and Managing Director of World Football Summit.

The two-day event will feature representatives from FIFA, CAF, national football associations, professional clubs, and leagues.

The summit’s agenda encompasses infrastructure development, sports tourism, youth training, governance, women’s football, and technological innovation in African football.

Morocco’s selection as host follows its significant achievements in football, including its historic performance at the 2022 FIFA World Cup and its successful bid to co-host the 2030 World Cup.

This collaboration will be explored as a model for international cooperation and cultural diplomacy through sports. As such, the program will examine Morocco’s emergence as a leader in international football and its role in mobilizing resources and talent across the continent.

The country’s sports industry, currently valued at $1.8 billion, is projected to double by 2030, with the 2030 World Cup expected to generate a $1.2 billion economic boost.

Ismail Lyoubi, Managing Director of EVOSPORT, stressed the event’s significance: “Co-organizing World Football Summit and hosting it at UM6P is a major opportunity for us to contribute to the development of the emerging football industry at both national and continental levels.”

The summit will address several challenges facing African football, including financial constraints, governance issues, and competition from European leagues.

With its $200 million budget, the recently launched CAF Super League represents one initiative to boost club competitiveness across the continent.

The comprehensive program will explore the 2030 World Cup preparation and infrastructure development, examining the economic impact and legacy planning for host countries.

Sessions will cover the organization of AFCON 2025 and strategies for setting new standards in tournament management.

The summit will also delve into the African Super League’s role in enhancing global competitiveness and the sustainable growth of women’s football across the continent.

Additional focus areas include the integration of AI, SportsTech, and blockchain in African football, alongside discussions on improving governance structures and transparency.

The event will also address the expansion of digital platforms and innovative approaches to fan monetization in the African context.

Founded in 2016, WFS has attracted over 25,000 participants across 25 events and built a global community of more than 130,000 industry stakeholders.

The event will begin with a welcome reception dinner on April 8, followed by two days of intensive panels and networking opportunities.

The Rabat summit will conclude with the WFS Honors Ceremony, recognizing excellence in football industry development.