The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has been key to advancing football across Africa since 1957.
Its mission goes beyond organizing tournaments; CAF focuses on nurturing young talent, improving infrastructure, and promoting women’s football.
Through development programs and partnerships, CAF continues to strengthen African football and raise its global reputation.
Governing African Football
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) oversees football across the continent.
It sets policies, runs competitions, and supports national federations.
CAF acts as Africa’s football engine, connecting 54 member associations under one vision for progress.
Organising Major Competitions
CAF organises the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the continent’s top football tournament.
It crowns Africa’s best national team every two years. CAF also runs the CAF Champions League, the CAF Confederation Cup, and the CAF Super Cup.
These tournaments raise competitiveness, attract sponsorship, and give African players international exposure.Building Youth Football
CAF invests in U17 and U20 tournaments to develop future stars.
These competitions allow young players to gain experience and prepare for senior national teams.
CAF works with national federations to improve scouting, academies, and training systems.
Many stars, including Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mané, rose through these CAF youth pathways.
Promoting Women’s Football
CAF champions the growth of women’s football across Africa.
The Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) highlights female talent and serves as a FIFA World Cup qualifier.
CAF also introduced U17 and U20 women’s tournaments to expand participation.
These events strengthen visibility, professionalism, and gender equality in African sport.
Enforcing Club Licensing Standards
CAF enforces strict club licensing to improve professionalism.
Every team must meet financial, legal, and sporting requirements to compete.
Licensing demands proper stadiums, youth academies, medical support, and transparent management.
This process ensures safer environments and better conditions for players and fans.
Improving Coaching Education
CAF enhances technical knowledge through structured coaching programmes.
It offers CAF C, B, and A diplomas for aspiring and elite coaches.
These courses cover tactics, leadership, and player development.
CAF-certified coaches now lead both club and national teams with stronger technical insight.
Strengthening Referee Training
CAF trains referees to uphold fair play and professionalism.
It conducts regular workshops and physical assessments across all regions.
Referees now use VAR technology in top competitions to improve accuracy.
Consistent referee training raises match quality and builds confidence among teams and fans.
Investing in Infrastructure
CAF helps member federations modernise stadiums and training centres.
It collaborates with governments and sponsors to fund these projects.
Improved facilities enhance fan experience and meet international standards.
They also allow more African nations to host major continental tournaments.
Managing Calendars and Player Welfare
CAF coordinates tournament schedules to balance club and national duties.
It works closely with FIFA and domestic leagues to avoid conflicts.
Proper planning reduces player fatigue and travel overload. Clearer calendars help clubs and national teams prepare efficiently for key fixtures.
Supporting Member Federations
CAF offers technical and financial support to all 54 federations.
It provides grants, equipment, and training to strengthen local football structures.
Federations use this assistance to run leagues, improve governance, and grow grassroots football.
This cooperative model promotes unity and sustainability.
Expanding Financial Partnerships
CAF secures sponsorships to fund development and competitions.
Deals with companies like TotalEnergies and Puma support tournaments and education programmes.
Revenue helps fund academies, referee training, and women’s football projects.
CAF also partners with FIFA on joint initiatives to promote technical growth.
Addressing Governance Challenges
CAF faces governance and transparency challenges, but continues reform.
It implements stronger financial controls and clearer reporting standards.
Leadership stability and accountability remain top priorities.
CAF’s ongoing reforms aim to build trust and efficiency across all football levels.
Empowering Local Talent
CAF promotes African coaches, referees, and administrators through mentorship and training.
It encourages nations to trust local professionals over foreign hires.
This approach helps create self-reliance and national pride within African football ecosystems.
Measurable Progress
CAF’s reforms and investments produced visible progress.
African clubs perform better internationally.
Youth teams reach global tournaments.
Women’s football gains sponsors and growing fan bases.
Coaching and refereeing standards continue to rise across all regions.
Vision for the Future
CAF aims to expand competitions, build more academies, and enhance digital reach.
It plans to increase youth and women’s participation in football.
CAF’s future vision centres on sustainability, professionalism, and unity across Africa’s football network.
