TECNO and CAF Launch Initiative to Drive Youth Talent Development

TECNO, the Official Global Partner of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025, has taken its commitment to African football a step further with the launch of the TECNO x CAF “Future Star of Africa” initiative, marking a significant shift from infrastructure support to direct youth talent development.

Unveiled under the broader Dream On The Field programme, the new initiative represents a major evolution in the partnership between TECNO and the Confederation of African Football (CAF), focusing on identifying, nurturing and supporting young African footballers from grassroots to elite level.

The launch event brought together senior TECNO executives, CAF Secretary General Véron Mosengo-Omba, CAF Commercial Director Hassan Elkamah, African football icons Yaya Touré and Ahmed Hassan, Nigerian artist Joeboy, as well as fans, customers and key opinion leaders, underlining the emphasis on transparency, community engagement and long-term impact.

Originally introduced as an infrastructure-driven project, Dream On The Field has already delivered eight renovated football pitches across Africa, with seven more currently under construction. TECNO has set an ambitious long-term goal of renovating 100 pitches across the continent, creating a wide network of development hubs aimed at serving millions of young players.

The newly launched Future Star of Africa initiative builds on that foundation by adding a structured player development pathway. It will target talented boys and girls aged 12 to 15, offering sustained technical, physical and mental support until the age of 18 — addressing a long-standing gap in African football where many promising players lack long-term development structures.

“Our partnership with TECNO goes far beyond renovation; it is about building foundations for dreams,” said CAF Commercial Director Hassan Elkamah. “From revitalising pitches to launching the Future Star of Africa initiative, we are creating real pathways for the next generation.”

TECNO General Manager Jack Guo reinforced the brand’s philosophy: “Talent is universal, but opportunity is not. Through Dream On The Field we built the stages, and through Future Star of Africa we are ensuring young performers have what they need to shine.”

The programme will be implemented through a carefully structured and professional scouting process. CAF will appoint lead technical scouts and youth development experts to oversee talent identification, supported by local juries comprising national association youth coaches, sports academics and TECNO representatives. Players will be assessed on a wide range of criteria, including technical ability, game intelligence, resilience, leadership and mental strength.

Importantly, selections will remain national, allowing each country to identify and develop its own talents while contributing to a unified continental vision.

CAF Secretary General Véron Mosengo-Omba described the initiative as a powerful investment in Africa’s future. “Football is Africa’s heartbeat. It unites, inspires and transforms lives. With TECNO, we are not only improving facilities but investing directly in young boys and girls who will carry Africa’s football legacy forward.”

As Official Global Partner of AFCON Morocco 2025, TECNO continues to position itself as a long-term stakeholder in African football. The Future Star of Africa initiative underlines how strategic partnerships, when aligned with genuine social commitment, can strengthen communities, nurture talent and shape the future of the game across the continent.

TECNO, the Official Global Partner of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025, has taken its commitment to African football a step further with the launch of the TECNO x CAF “Future Star of Africa” initiative, marking a significant shift from infrastructure support to direct youth talent development.

Unveiled under the broader Dream On The Field programme, the new initiative represents a major evolution in the partnership between TECNO and the Confederation of African Football (CAF), focusing on identifying, nurturing and supporting young African footballers from grassroots to elite level.

The launch event brought together senior TECNO executives, CAF Secretary General Véron Mosengo-Omba, CAF Commercial Director Hassan Elkamah, African football icons Yaya Touré and Ahmed Hassan, Nigerian artist Joeboy, as well as fans, customers and key opinion leaders, underlining the emphasis on transparency, community engagement and long-term impact.

Originally introduced as an infrastructure-driven project, Dream On The Field has already delivered eight renovated football pitches across Africa, with seven more currently under construction. TECNO has set an ambitious long-term goal of renovating 100 pitches across the continent, creating a wide network of development hubs aimed at serving millions of young players.

The newly launched Future Star of Africa initiative builds on that foundation by adding a structured player development pathway. It will target talented boys and girls aged 12 to 15, offering sustained technical, physical and mental support until the age of 18 — addressing a long-standing gap in African football where many promising players lack long-term development structures.

“Our partnership with TECNO goes far beyond renovation; it is about building foundations for dreams,” said CAF Commercial Director Hassan Elkamah. “From revitalising pitches to launching the Future Star of Africa initiative, we are creating real pathways for the next generation.”

TECNO General Manager Jack Guo reinforced the brand’s philosophy: “Talent is universal, but opportunity is not. Through Dream On The Field we built the stages, and through Future Star of Africa we are ensuring young performers have what they need to shine.”

The programme will be implemented through a carefully structured and professional scouting process. CAF will appoint lead technical scouts and youth development experts to oversee talent identification, supported by local juries comprising national association youth coaches, sports academics and TECNO representatives. Players will be assessed on a wide range of criteria, including technical ability, game intelligence, resilience, leadership and mental strength.

Importantly, selections will remain national, allowing each country to identify and develop its own talents while contributing to a unified continental vision.

CAF Secretary General Véron Mosengo-Omba described the initiative as a powerful investment in Africa’s future. “Football is Africa’s heartbeat. It unites, inspires and transforms lives. With TECNO, we are not only improving facilities but investing directly in young boys and girls who will carry Africa’s football legacy forward.”

As Official Global Partner of AFCON Morocco 2025, TECNO continues to position itself as a long-term stakeholder in African football. The Future Star of Africa initiative underlines how strategic partnerships, when aligned with genuine social commitment, can strengthen communities, nurture talent and shape the future of the game across the continent.