FIFA president Gianni Infantino and Remy Rioux, chief executive of the French Development Agency (AFD) have signed an agreement to promote women’s football and develop school football in Africa. The AFD is a public financial institution that implements the policy defined by the French Government. Apart from plans to implement socio-educational projects and equality in football schemes, the plan also includes investments in local infrastructure.

“Today, another strategic alliance has been forged to help use football as a platform for positive change in society,” said FIFA president Gianni Infantino. This landmark agreement between FIFA and the AFD aims to make a lasting difference to communities around the world, as well as ensure that football continues to play an even more important role in sustainable development, educating and empowering the next generation to help build a fairer, more peaceful society.”

AFD CEO Remy Rioux added “What better way to build a world in common than by leveraging the unifying power of football? Sport is at the crossroads of all sustainable development goals – including economic growth, women’s empowerment and access to education – yet the worlds of football and development finance have not been linked until now. I’m therefore extremely proud that the AFD and FIFA are today launching a unique partnership to promote gender equality and foster education in Africa through football.”

Over the past 15 years, FIFA has spent much money on the upliftment of football and football infrastructure in Africa. Stadiums and offices of national FA’s in all countries have been upgraded, courtesy of FIFA and at least one synthetic turf field has been installed in every country on the African continent.