European Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jozef Síkela, visited Rabat from January 17 to 19 to meet government officials and civil society actors during the Africa Cup of Nations final weekend. Discussions focused on strengthening the EU’s cooperation with Morocco, particularly through the Global Gateway, EU’s investment strategy and enhancing the partnership between the European Union (EU) and Morocco.
Commissioner Jozef Síkela commented: “I would like to congratulate Morocco on the successful organisation of the Africa Cup of Nations, which has drawn attention far beyond the stadiums. For the European Union, it was important to be part of this moment. Football reaches people directly – especially young people – across borders, schools and communities. That is why it is a relevant platform to speak about the EU–Africa partnership and why it matters. Through Global Gateway, the European Union invests in shared priorities such as energy, connectivity, education and jobs and creates concrete opportunities for people in Africa.”
On this occasion, the European Commissioner met (tbc) the Minister of Economy and Finance, Mrs. Nadia Fettah Alaoui. The discussions highlighted the quality of the organisation of the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2025, while emphasizing the strength of the partnership between the European Union and Morocco. They also addressed prospects for strengthening investments and cooperation under the Global Gateway strategy, as well as upcoming regional opportunities.
The European Union is an official partner and the African Football Confederation (CAF), for several major competitions, including the men’s CAN editions of 2025 and 2027. Announced in May 2025, this partnership reflects a shared vision based on inclusion, education for all, equal opportunities, and investment in the youth of the African continent.
The EU supports also the African Schools Championship, which directly impacts young people by encouraging them to stay in school and instilling values such as teamwork, respect, and perseverance. Already, nearly one million young girls and boys have participated, and the goal is to expand the program to 33,000 schools across Africa. The Championship combines sports, education, and life skills for young athletes. The prize money for winners is reinvested in local school infrastructures, such as renovating facilities and creating libraries, while offering training in essential fields such as safety, medical skills, and journalism.
This partnership between the EU and CAF is part if EU’s Global Gateway, EU’s external investment strategy. Under it, EU and its African partners together, invest in concrete projects that support education, create jobs and boost local businesses.
The Team Europe has already mobilized investment in the amount of up to €306 billion. Only Africa, it has been already mobilized over €120 billion in public and private investments since 2021.
To illustrate the impact of European investments in infrastructures benefiting the economy and the population, Commissioner Síkela took the Rabat–Salé tramway, a flagship project supported by the European Union in its cooperation with Morocco. This structuring project, co-financed by the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Union. This transport system connects the two banks of the Bouregreg and caters to the daily mobility needs of nearly 170,000 passengers per day. It is fully aligned with the Global Gateway approach, building sustainable, inclusive, and high social impact infrastructures.
On the eve of the CAN final, Commissioner Jozef Síkela also attended the screening of the documentary film “Sounds of Belonging: A Continent Playing Together,” shown at the Cervantes Institute in Rabat. Directed by Spanish composer Lucas Vidal, the documentary highlights the relationship between European and African continents and the common denominators of sport and music for their youth. It is also a tribute to African musical culture and its creativity. Through friendly exchanges with musicians in several African countries, the film abolishes borders, inviting the audience to feel the universal emotions carried by music.
For more information:
- Global Gateway Strategy
- EU – CAF Communiqué (official EU site?)
- Morocco-EU trade and investment
Press Contact: EU Delegation – delegation-morocco-presseeas [dot] europa [dot] eu (delegation-morocco-press[at]eeas[dot]europa[dot]eu)