By SAL ISLAND, CAPE VERDE — Fresh off captivating the global stage at the historic 2026 FIFA World Cup, Cape Verde is once again the epicentre of African football. Today, Her Excellency Dr. Janira Hopffer Almada, Head of State of Cabo Verde, joins CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe in Santa Maria for the opening of the landmark CAF Strategy Conference.
Running on Thursday, 8 October 2026, this high-stakes summit has drawn the heavyweights of the continent’s game. Presidents from all 54 CAF Member Associations, zonal leaders, executive committee members, national team coaches, and elite international experts have converged on Sal Island.
Their mission? To harness the incredible momentum from North America and build a bulletproof blueprint for African football’s growth, both on and off the pitch.
The timing could not be more poetic. Cape Verde plays proud host to this pivotal gathering following a magical run at the 2026 World Cup across the United States, Mexico, and Canada—a tournament where the island nation captured hearts worldwide.
It was a watershed moment for African football writ large. For the first time in history, a record 10 African nations competed on the global stage, with an astonishing nine punching their tickets to the knockout rounds.
Now, for the first time in the confederation’s history, those historic World Cup performances take centre stage at a dedicated strategic forum. The objective is clear: dissect the triumphs, diagnose the gaps, and convert hard-earned lessons into an actionable roadmap leading straight to the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
Following this morning’s high-profile opening session—broadcast live globally on CAF TV and open to the public—the conference shifts to closed-door strategy meetings. The 54 Member Associations will roll up their sleeves to tackle the nuts and bolts of the sport: strengthening domestic structures, elevating administrative standards, and building resilient economic frameworks to ensure long-term, sustainable sporting success.
As the sun rises over Sal Island, the message is unmistakable. Africa is no longer just participating on the world stage; it is plotting its course to conquer it.
