Royal Air Maroc Takes Off as CAF’s Official Global Partner

His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist Him, sent a message of congratulations to the Moroccan football team following their triumph at the 2025 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

“Following the Moroccan U-17 national football team’s victory at the 2025 AFCON—hosted by our country with generous hospitality and a warm welcome—it gives me great pleasure to extend my warmest congratulations on this well-earned African title,” HM the King wrote in the message.

“As I take great pride in congratulating you on this historic first-ever continental achievement, I highly commend the efforts made by all members of our young national team—emerging players, coaches, technical staff—as well as the officials and leadership of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, to secure this major title,” the Sovereign emphasized.

On this occasion, His Majesty the King lauded the brilliant journey of the Lion Cubs throughout the competition, their promising football talent and performances, strong competitive spirit and deep sense of patriotism, which enabled them to secure and retain the Cup on home soil, further reaffirming the prominent stature of Moroccan football on both the continent and global stage.

The Sovereign said He was deeply confident that this victory would be a great source of motivation and a model for young athletes and Moroccan youth to follow, with a view to persevering and striving for greater performances and awards in continental and international sporting competition, across all categories and disciplines.

HM the King implored the Almighty to guide the steps of the national team’s members, wishing them more accomplishments and success in their promising careers and assuring them of His high solicitude and benevolence. 

Royal Air Maroc (RAM) and the Confédération Africaine de Football concluded a strategic partnership agreement on Saturday in Casablanca, granting Morocco’s airline the status of “Official Global Partner” for the CAF.

Through this agreement, RAM becomes the official partner of the Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 and the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2024, scheduled from July 5 to 26, 2025, in addition to other major competitions.

With this partnership, Royal Air Maroc strengthens its commitment to African sports by facilitating the mobility of players, teams, and fans across the continent and around the world. To meet increased demand during CAF events, the airline will implement a new operational and commercial framework.

In this context, the national carrier announced a significant increase in its flight program, with capacity and service offerings tailored to meet the needs of supporters. This will be made possible through the expansion of RAM’s fleet during major sporting events, ensuring a wider selection of flights and destinations.

According to RAM, the flight program has been specifically designed to cater to fans residing in various participating African countries, while also making it easier for the African diaspora around the world to travel to Morocco.

In a press statement, CAF President Patrice Motsepe hailed this partnership a “historic moment” for African football and for the 54 member federations of the continental body, praising the airline’s “outstanding leadership.”

He underlined that the strategic partnership would help facilitate the travel of hundreds of thousands of African fans to the Kingdom for the CAN 2025. “We mentioned the figure of 500,000 visitors, but I’m convinced the number will be even higher,” he predicted.

The CAF President also praised Morocco’s remarkable progress in sports infrastructure, noting that “the stadiums, the pitches, and the facilities are of world-class standards,” which, in his view, promises an “exceptional edition” of the CAN scheduled for December.

Motsepe also highlighted Morocco’s upcoming hosting of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, stressing that these major events are part of a broader strategy to develop African football and elevate the continent to the level of the world’s top footballing nations.

For his part, Royal Air Maroc CEO Hamid Addou emphasized that the agreement reflects the airline’s “firm African commitment,” in line with the vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, aimed at strengthening South-South cooperation and promoting African integration.

“This partnership represents a continuation of Royal Air Maroc’s actions, driven by the Royal Vision, to deepen ties with African countries and support the continent’s major sporting and cultural dynamics,” he stated. 

On the operational side, the RAM CEO announced a significant expansion of the airline’s African network, including plans to double flight frequencies to several capital cities across the continent to facilitate fan travel to Moroccan stadiums during the tournament. 

He added that the plan also extends to African diasporas in Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Asia, via RAM’s major international routes.

“We will launch special offers and tailored packages for fans, allowing them to attend matches in the best possible conditions,” he noted, adding that this commitment marks “the beginning of a new chapter in the growth and influence of African football.”

The signing ceremony was attended by key figures, including Fouzi Lekjaa, President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), CAF Executive Committee member, and CAF representative on the FIFA Council.

A meeting was held Thursday at the Interior Ministry to assess the progress of construction and rehabilitation work on stadiums in the six cities set to host matches of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), scheduled for December 2025 (Rabat, Casablanca, Tangier, Fez, Marrakech, and Agadir). 

The meeting was an opportunity to review the related complementary urban upgrading programs, as part of the Kingdom’s ongoing preparations for this continental event. 

The preparation is progressing in accordance with the established timelines, the Interior Ministry noted in a press release, adding that all necessary measures have been taken to ensure the completion of the projects within the set deadlines.

In parallel with stadium-related works, the six cities have launched complementary programs aimed at improving urban mobility, upgrading urban infrastructure, redeveloping the surroundings of the stadiums, and preparing areas designated for welcoming visitors and organizing entertainment activities, with the goal of providing the best possible conditions to host delegations and fans.

Over 120 projects are currently underway across the six cities, and all measures have been taken to ensure their completion before next December, the same source added.

The organization of AFCON 2025 represents a strategic opportunity to strengthen the Kingdom’s international standing, highlight Morocco’s economic, cultural, and tourism assets, and inject new momentum into the national economy. 

Regional officials in Morocco say infrastructure projects for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) are progressing steadily, with completion expected ahead of schedule.

   Following a meeting at the Interior Ministry in Rabat on Thursday, the presidents of the regional councils for the six host cities—Rabat, Casablanca, Tangier, Fez, Marrakech, and Agadir—voiced full commitment to ensuring the success of the tournament and future global sporting events, including the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

   Abdellatif Maâzouz, President of the Casablanca-Settat Regional Council, said all infrastructure linked to AFCON 2025 would be ready by July. “There is a clear vision for both AFCON and the 2030 World Cup, including infrastructure, human resources, and entertainment,” he told reporters. He also highlighted a major tourism initiative designed to capitalize on the expected influx of international visitors.

   Rachid El Abdi, President of the Rabat-Salé-Kénitra Regional Council, said the meeting allowed participants to assess the progress of key infrastructure projects, including stadiums, transport, hospitality, and training programs. All projects, he said, are aligned with international standards.

   Omar Moro, President of the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima Regional Council, reported that works in his region were already at an advanced stage.

   For his part, Karim Achengli, President of the Souss-Massa Regional Council, expressed confidence in the readiness of all host cities, describing AFCON 2025 as a “major opportunity” for economic and infrastructure development.

   The Interior Ministry said more than 120 projects are underway across the six host cities. All are scheduled for completion by December, several months ahead of the January 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

   Officials said hosting AFCON will enhance Morocco’s international profile and promote its economic, cultural, and tourism sectors while injecting momentum into national development.

International football stars Raphaël Varane and Robert Pirès have expressed their conviction in the success of the 2030 Football World Cup in Morocco, highlighting the positive impact such an event will have on the country and its rising generations.

Speaking to MAP on the sidelines of GITEX Africa 2025 in Marrakech, the two French legends, now entrepreneurs in the new tech sector, highlighted Morocco’s dynamism in the run-up to the 2030 football showpiece, citing Morocco’s state-of-the-art infrastructure and its vision for a successful digital transition.

The former internationals also expressed their admiration for Africa’s technological potential, while praising the level of organization of the 3rd GITEX Africa.

Robert Pirès, world champion in 1998, emphasized the importance of perseverance, respect and discipline in the career of a top-level footballer, values that he finds today in the world of startups.

“You have to have a goal in life. My dream has always been to become a professional footballer,” he said, adding that the qualities that made him a great football player are the same qualities that have enabled him to succeed in the world of new technologies.

For his part, Raphaël Varane, who began his professional career at the age of 17, pointed out that the greatest challenge for a top-level athlete is to know how to surround himself with the right people.

According to the 2018 world champion, investment in technology “is not a simple career repositioning, but a logical continuity, fueled by the need for structure and impact.”

The President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), Fouzi Lekjaa, has urged the players of Morocco’s U-17 national team, who will take part in the final phase of the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (Morocco-2025), to deliver a performance that reflects the national football’s reputation.

During a meeting held on Saturday with the U-17 national team players, as well as the technical, medical, and administrative staff, Lekjaa encouraged the team to represent Moroccan football in the best possible way during this continental competition, which will take place from March 30 to April 19 in Morocco, FRMF pointed out in a press release. 

He emphasized the importance of delivering a performance that reflects the national football’s reputation, especially since the Moroccan team has already demonstrated great technical abilities during the North African Football Union tournament, the international tournament organized at the Mohammed VI Football Complex, and friendly matches played in preparation for this event.  

Lekjaa also highlighted the crucial role of teamwork in modern football, stating that success and sustained performance depend on harmony and cooperation among players, along with effective communication within the group.  

The participation in this African tournament is a key stage in the players’ development process, Lekjaa stressed, urging them to embrace a winning mentality, “a fundamental element that distinguishes great teams.”  

“The Moroccan public has high expectations regarding the U-17 national team’s performance, particularly after its remarkable run in the previous edition, where it reached the final, as well as its impressive performance in the World Cup, where it advanced to the quarter-finals before narrowly losing to Mali,” he added.