Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Hussein Mohammed has called for enhanced collaboration across federations, governments, and development partners to advance African football.

Speaking during the opening of the Africa Football Business Summit 2025 in Mombasa on October 23, 2025, Mohammed emphasised that, “True progress in African football will come through collaboration across federations, governments, and partners.”

Call for stronger partnerships and leadership

Mohammed expressed his honour in sharing the platform with Grenada Football Association President Marlon Glean, Ghana’s Minister for Youth and Sports, Kofi Adams, and other regional leaders to discuss ways of strengthening partnerships and growing the game beyond borders.

He urged local football clubs to establish solid leadership structures and uphold integrity to attract sponsorship and investment.

“What sponsors are looking for from us is value for their investment,” said Mohammed. “We have to build a strong foundation and demonstrate good leadership skills in our teams to inspire confidence among potential sponsors. It’s a win-win situation for both parties. If we deliver what they expect, we’ll definitely attract more sponsorships.”

The FKF president noted that accountability and professionalism are crucial for building investor confidence and driving football development across Africa.

Uniting for continental growth

Mohammed further called on African nations to unite in addressing challenges facing football on the continent. He noted that improved governance and collaboration could help Africa reach the same standards as more developed footballing nations. “It’s important for us in Africa to fix what has held us back, especially in leadership, so we can restore football to where it belongs,” he said.

“We need investors to come on board and support football development right from the grassroots.”

Marlon Glean commended Africa’s vast football potential and encouraged greater unity between Africa and the Caribbean.

“Our governments, across Africa and the Caribbean, are working to enhance travel and tourism between our regions, but we must extend that collaboration to football,” said Glean.

“With 79 African and Caribbean members in FIFA, there’s no reason we can’t dominate the global football scene. It’s time for our regions to stand together.”

Turning challenges into opportunities

Africa Football Business Summit Founder and CEO Brian Wesaala urged African nations to transform challenges into opportunities.

“Our focus is on capacity building,” said Wesaala. “Yes, there are challenges in collaboration among stakeholders, but together we can achieve more. Africa’s challenges are, in fact, opportunities for growth.”

The two-day summit brought together football stakeholders from across the continent to discuss governance, partnerships, and investment strategies aimed at transforming African football.