An African nation will reach the World Cup final in 2026, Confederation of African Football (Caf) president Patrice Motsepe has said as he reflected on the continent’s successful campaign in Qatar.
The South African believes Morocco’s pioneering run to the 2022 World Cup semi-finals in Qatar has laid groundwork regarding both belief and ambition ahead of the next finals.
“I’m confident that in the next World Cup, an African nation will go further,” the 60-year-old said. The historic achievements of Morocco have made all of us in Africa uniquely proud. The future of African football is incredibly bright. If you look at the talent on the continent, there are 10-15 nations in Africa now that can compete at the highest level in the world and win.”
It is a bold claim given that Morocco, fuelled by an incredible ‘home’ support given the proximity of Qatar to North Africa, are the sole side to have ever contested the semi-finals, out of 54 African visits to the tournament.
However, after Africa’s most successful World Cup ever, Motsepe also recalled that the continent has previously won the Olympics – through both Nigeria (1996) and Cameroon (2000).
In Qatar for the finals, Motsepe said he is taking inspiration from Croatia’s recent World Cup displays, with the European nation of just under four million having now reached the semi-finals in three of its six World Cups. “Given a nation of 3.5 million people can compete against Brazil, I’ll never accept that an African nation cannot compete at the highest level,” said Motsepe as he spoke in his homeland South Africa.
“These are proud moments for football in Africa, and the main objective is an African nation to win the World Cup – we have to believe, and encourage every young boy and girl, because it’s not just the men we want to win the World Cup, but also the women.”
“We are absolutely confident that the performance at the World Cup will serve as a significant stimulus and accelerator for the very good work taking place in increasing the quality and global competitiveness of African football.”
Motsepe was full of praise for Faouzi Lekjaa, the head of Morocco’s football federation, and King Mohamed VI, saying the duo’s role in significantly investing in the country’s football should inspire Africa.
Youth empowerment in action: Judith Msusa applauds success of Business Acceleration for Youth Project
By Burnett Munthali, November
The Director of Youth in the Ministry of Youth, Judith Msusa, has expressed her satisfaction with the impact of the Business Acceleration for Youth (BAY) project, describing it as a transformative initiative for empowering Malawian youth economically. Msusa commended the project during a visit to some grant beneficiaries who have successfully turned their ventures into thriving enterprises.
Speaking during her visit, Msusa lauded the program for equipping young entrepreneurs with the tools they need to enhance their livelihoods. "The government is impressed with the youth who, through this initiative, have been able to increase their revenue streams. This not only enables them to live decent lives but also positions them as job creators for their peers," she said. Msusa emphasized the project's role in fostering a generation of self-reliant, innovative, and economically active young people.
Adding to Msusa's sentiments, David Slane, Chief of Party for the project, expressed his own delight at the progress made. "It’s rewarding to see these young individuals demonstrating tangible successes as a result of this support. They are living proof of what is possible when young people are given the right opportunities and resources," said Slane.
The three-year BAY project, funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), is being implemented by the Alliance of Biodiversity International and the Centre for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT). Focused on the districts of Zomba, Balaka, Chiradzulu, Chikwawa, Machinga, and Mangochi, the project aims to nurture the entrepreneurial spirit among youth by providing grants, mentorship, and technical assistance.
During the visit, several beneficiaries shared their inspiring stories of transformation. One of them, a poultry farmer from Mangochi, recounted how the project’s financial and technical support helped her scale her business, enabling her to employ two additional workers. Another young entrepreneur in Zomba, specializing in agro-processing, highlighted how mentorship from the project helped him navigate market challenges and significantly increase his revenue.
These testimonials reflect the project's profound impact on communities. Beyond financial gains, the BAY initiative is helping youth build confidence, resilience, and a sense of purpose, all of which are critical for sustaining long-term economic growth.
As Malawi grapples with high unemployment rates among the youth, the BAY project stands out as a beacon of hope. With continued support from USAID and partners, the initiative could serve as a model for youth empowerment not only in Malawi but across the region.
Msusa’s visit underscores the government’s commitment to supporting programs that align with its broader vision of reducing poverty and unemployment. "The youth are the backbone of our nation," Msusa concluded. "Projects like BAY remind us of their untapped potential and the immense possibilities that emerge when we invest in them strategically."
The success of the BAY project serves as a testament to the power of collaboration between government, development partners, and the private sector in addressing pressing societal challenges.
