TECNO, CAF expand grassroots vision with Future Star of Africa initiative
TECNO, the Official Global Partner of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025, has announced the launch of the TECNO x CAF Future Star of Africa initiative. The program marks a significant expansion of the DreamOnTheField campaign, shifting its focus from facilities alone to structured youth talent development.
The unveiling underscores a new phase in the partnership between TECNO and the Confederation of African Football, placing young players at the center of long-term investment. The initiative reflects a broader commitment to nurturing Africa’s next generation of footballers.
The launch event brought together TECNO executives, CAF leadership and prominent figures from sport and culture. CAF Secretary General Véron Mosengo-Omba, football icons Yaya Touré and Ahmed Hassan, and Nigerian artist Joeboy were among those present alongside fans, customers and key opinion leaders.
DreamOnTheField initially focused on revitalizing community pitches across Africa. To date, eight facilities have been completed, with seven more projects currently underway in different countries.
TECNO has set an ambitious long-term goal of upgrading 100 pitches across the continent. These venues are designed to serve as accessible development hubs for millions of young players.
From infrastructure to talent pathways
The Future Star of Africa initiative builds directly on this foundation by linking infrastructure investment with structured player development. The program is designed to create a clear pathway from grassroots participation to elite football opportunities.
Under the initiative, young male and female players aged 12 to 15 will be identified and supported through to the age of 18. The model addresses a long-standing challenge in African football: sustaining investment in promising talent during critical developmental years.
“Our partnership with TECNO goes far beyond renovation; it is about building foundations for dreams,” said CAF Commercial Director Hassan Elkamah. “From revitalizing pitches to launching Future Star of Africa, we are creating real pathways for the next generation.”
TECNO General Manager Jack Guo emphasized the company’s belief in equal access to opportunity. He noted that while talent exists everywhere, structured support is essential to help young players reach their potential.
Holistic development and long-term impact
The TECNO x CAF approach combines facilities, transparent selection processes and sustained sponsorship. This integrated model is intended to transform raw potential into long-term achievement, rather than short-term exposure.
CAF will oversee the technical integrity of the program by appointing senior youth development experts as lead scouts in each participating country. Local selection panels will include national youth coaches, sports academics and TECNO representatives to ensure fairness and consistency.
“Football is Africa’s heartbeat. It unites us, inspires us and transforms lives,” said Mosengo-Omba. “With TECNO, we are not only improving facilities but also investing in young boys and girls who will carry Africa’s football legacy forward.”
Player assessments will evaluate both technical and personal attributes, including ball control, game intelligence, resilience and leadership. Selections will remain at the national level, allowing each country to cultivate its own talent while contributing to a continental vision.
Through its collaboration with CAF, TECNO continues to position itself as a long-term stakeholder in African football. The partnership demonstrates how corporate social responsibility, when aligned with strategy and community needs, can strengthen infrastructure, empower youth and create lasting impact across the continent.
