President Motsepe, dear Ambassador Eichhorst, esteemed guests,

Let me begin with two numbers.
The median age in Europe is over 40. In Africa, it is below 20.

Simply put, Africa is the youngest continent — full of energy, talent, and ambition. And we believe it is full of potential.

Together — Europe and Africa — we must do our best to turn this potential into real opportunity.

That is exactly what our Global Gateway strategy is about: Together with our partners, we are investing in people, mutual connections, and sustainable, inclusive development.

That is why the European Commission is proud to become an Official Partner of the Confederation of African Football for the next three years.

Europe is already Africa’s number one partner. Together, we are creating new opportunities and hundreds of thousands of quality jobs across the continent.

The partnership with CAF that we celebrate today highlights the depth of our cooperation, and supports the federation´s work to transform the talent and determination of Africa’s youth into better future.

In both Europe and Africa, the unifying power of football is unparalleled — just like its reach, with nearly two billion viewers of the Africa Cup of Nations worldwide.

Combined with the European Union’s Global Gateway investment strategy, this partnership will show the concrete benefits and opportunities that deeper ties between and Europe unlock.

To strengthen the impact of this cooperation, we will focus in particular on the CAF African Schools Championship.

Almost a million girls and boys have already taken part in this inspiring initiative of President Motsepe. Through our partnership we aim to expand it to 33,000 schools across Africa — combining football with access to education and personal development.

We will also work with CAF on its safeguarding programme, supporting aspiring young footballers as they transition to the professional level.

As I said — Europe is Africa’s number one partner to turn potential into opportunity: energy into quality jobs, aspirations into university degrees, skills into better public services and healthcare.

And I believe that this partnership - with its strong focus on Africa’s young generation — will help us realise that vision. A future where all girls and boys can thrive equally and with them, the continent as a whole.

Let me also thank Ambassador Eichhorst for hosting this important moment for EU–Africa cooperation at your residence and your team for organizing the whole event.

And last but not least, allow me to congratulate President Motsepe on his recent re-election, and to thank him and his team for the cooperation.

Thank you for your attention.