THE Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced that it has extended its deal with telecommunications outfit Orange, with the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations around the corner.
Orange has been one of the major sponsors of AFCON for years, and the next edition of the tournament will be held in Cote d’Ivoire from January 13 to February 11 next year.
“The Confédération Africaine de Football (“CAF”) and Orange have renewed their long-standing partnership, reinforcing their shared commitment to football development, equality and inclusion in Africa,” CAF stated today on its official website.
“Orange has been an exclusive telecommunications partner for CAF since 2008.
“The scope of the renewed Partnership between CAF and Orange includes CAF’s most anticipated tournaments namely the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023, the TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2024 and the CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025.
“The new partnership has been amended to enable Orange to focus its commitments on delivering connectivity, equality and inclusivity. Central to the Group’s sponsorship strategy is how Orange will leverage the power that sport has to connect customers and fans across Africa and the Middle East, evident in three key areas: Gender equality, Inclusion and Orange Tous Connectés.”
CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe said: “Orange has been a great supporter and partner of African Football for many years. We are excited to continue working together with Orange to make African Football amongst the best in the world and self-supporting.
“The TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire is expected to be watched by over 800 million people and we are delighted that Orange is our partner for this Competition and the CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025. Our Partnership with Orange will also support the development and growth of Women’s football on the African Continent.”
Jérôme Henique, CEO of Orange Middle East and Africa stated: “Orange is a long-term and loyal partner of football in Africa and the Middle East. Our commitment to African football spans more than 20 years, and we’re proud to host over 40 football partnerships in countries across the region, including national teams as well as numerous various youth, academy and university programmes across several countries.
“We’re delighted to continue this important work with CAF to co-create and drive real change through common objectives.”
According to CAF, Orange has committed to delivering 50/50 representation across the company’s sponsorship portfolio, promoting equal access and opportunity, building on the active partnership of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and specific programmes since 2018.
Also, through the partnership with CAF, Orange will develop dedicated programmes to support young players to develop their digital skills and training.
For example, Orange aims to teach coding skills to youth by using football content and challenges to inspire them.
