Fouzi Lekjaa has been at the helm of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) since 2014, spearheading a transformative era for Moroccan football. A key figure in global football governance, he serves as a FIFA Council member and 2nd Vice President of CAF, where he chairs the Finance Commission. Under his leadership, Morocco has made historic strides, including the men’s national team’s groundbreaking semi-final run at the 2022 FIFA World Cup and a tenfold increase in investment in women’s football. He has also driven major infrastructure projects, such as the Mohammed VI Football Complex, and played a pivotal role in Morocco’s successful bid to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup. Beyond football, Lekjaa serves as Morocco’s Minister Delegate for the Budget, demonstrating his broad influence in national and international affairs.

Deputy Chief Member Associations Division and Regional Director for Africa at FIFA Gelson Fernandes is a former Swiss international footballe. He brings a wealth of experience to his role, focusing on strengthening global football development and fostering collaboration between FIFA and its 211 Member Associations. Committed to inclusivity and progress, he plays a key role in initiatives that enhance infrastructure, promote accessibility, and tackle discrimination in football. His leadership is particularly instrumental in Africa, where he works to create sustainable opportunities for national federations. With a clear vision for the future, Gelson Fernandes is dedicated to making football a truly global sport and a powerful tool for social impact worldwide.

Frédéric Oumar Kanouté, founder and CEO of 12 MANagement, is regarded as one of the best ever African footballers, with a distinguished career in the top leagues of France, England, and Spain. Kanouté is also the winner of many trophies and accolades, including the Europa League, Spanish Cup, UEFA Super Cup and African Footballer of the Year. An outstanding humanitarian, his philanthropic work has raised millions of Euros for charity, including through the ‘Champions for Africa’ charity football matches. Qualified as a football coach, his work now involves mentoring and developing the football stars of the future.

Tlhopane (Tlhopie) Motsepe is the Chairman of Mamelodi Sundowns Football Club, the reigning champions of South Africa’s Premier Soccer League (PSL). Under his leadership, the club has won four consecutive PSL titles and secured three cup competitions. Passionate about sports business, he has forged key global partnerships, including with Roc Nation Sports International (2021) and Red Bull (2023). Tlhopie is deeply committed to youth and women’s football in Africa. He led the establishment of Mamelodi Sundowns’ U17 and U15 girls’ academy and continues to support the development of female coaches. The club’s senior women’s team won the CAF Women’s Champions League in 2021 and 2023. In 2023, he served as Executive Producer for Banyana Ba Style, a documentary on the women’s team, which was acquired by Netflix. His contributions to sports and business earned him the Business Sport Leader of the Year Award in 2022.

Samson Adamu is the Director of Competitions, Tournaments, and Events at the Confederation of African Football (CAF), where he oversees the planning and delivery of all CAF Tournaments & Events, including AFCON 2025. He is also the director responsible for several departments in CAF, including Professional Football, Safety and Security, Football Events, and Incidence & Reporting. Samson is currently the project lead for AFCON Morocco 2025. Before joining CAF in 2018, he founded Kinetic Sports Management and launched Copa Lagos, an international beach soccer event. He holds a Master’s degree from the prestigious FIFA Master programme and a degree in Business Management and Computer Science from the American University of Paris. With deep expertise in African football and tournament operations, Samson is committed to strengthening the competitive structure of the game, enhancing the fan experience, and building lasting legacies through world-class football events across the continent.

Multiple award winning sports journalist Mimi Fawaz has established herself as one Africa’s most respected broadcasters. Presented several. programmes on BBC such as Focus on Africa Sport which broadcasts to over 400 million people weekly worldwide and BBC Sport Today programme. She’s also a regular contributor on CNN Sport.