AFCON trophy dazzles Paris diaspora
Football’s most coveted African silverware lit up a crisp December evening in Paris as the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 trophy was lifted under the glass roof of the Palais de Tokyo. Cameras flashed, drums rolled and flags swayed in a colourful salute to continental pride.
The Paris stop is part of the FRMF-led Diaspora Tour, designed to let African communities in Europe feel the pulse of next year’s tournament long before the opening whistle. Previous legs in London drew similar crowds, and Brussels, Milan and Barcelona are reportedly next.
Organisers chose the avant-garde Palais de Tokyo for its symbolism: contemporary African creativity meeting Europe’s cultural capital. Inside, Congolese rumba playlists mingled with Moroccan Gnawa rhythms, reminding guests that the Cup is as much about shared identity as ninety minutes of footballing drama.
Diaspora Tour bridges Africa and Europe
According to Omar Khyari, adviser to the president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, the Tour’s real goal is to spark a sense of ownership among Africans abroad. “The diaspora are our unofficial ambassadors,” he told assembled media, emphasising their economic and emotional contribution.
Estimates from France’s interior ministry place the number of first and second generation sub-Saharan Africans in the country above 3.5 million, with thousands hailing from Congo-Brazzaville. Many grew up listening to radio commentaries of past AFCONs, and the chance to touch the trophy was electric.
Béatrice Loumbou, a 24-year-old Congolese student in Nanterre, said the exhibit bridged distance in an instant. “When I posed with the Cup, I felt back in Brazzaville, screaming with neighbours during 2015,” she laughed, referencing Congo’s memorable quarter-final run that year.
Morocco sets the bar high for 2025 finals
Morocco last hosted the continental showpiece in 1988. Since then, the Kingdom has invested heavily in stadiums, rail lines and hospitality, moves that persuaded CAF to award it the 35th edition. Work continues on Rabat’s Prince Moulay Abdellah complex and Casablanca’s Grand Stade.
Khyari reiterated that the government’s roadmap aligns with King Mohammed VI’s call for “a tournament of excellence, inclusivity and African unity.” Under the plan, every host city must guarantee green transport links, modern clinics, high-speed internet and safe fan zones by June 2025.
The FRMF confirms that a dedicated volunteer programme will open early next year, targeting students from across Africa, including the Republic of Congo. Digital applications will prioritise language skills and community engagement, reflecting lessons learned from Qatar 2022 and the recent Women’s World Cup.
Tourism operators in Marrakech and Agadir already report a mild uptick in enquiries. “We’re selling packages that combine desert circuits with match tickets,” said Samira Bennis, spokesperson for the National Tourism Office, noting that African diaspora markets account for a growing slice of visitors.
Economic analysts at Casablanca’s Policy Center forecast that AFCON 2025 could inject up to USD 1.5 billion into Morocco’s GDP through infrastructure, tourism and media rights. They argue the ripple effect will extend across CEMAC as airlines, merchandisers and content producers chase cross-border opportunities.
Voices from the game laud preparations
French journalist Hervé Penot, veteran reporter for L’Équipe, described Morocco as “ahead of schedule in nearly every department.” He pointed to the refurbished Mohammed V Stadium’s hybrid grass and the Tangier high-speed train hub as illustrations of a football ecosystem thinking long term.
CAF marketing director Aliou Diallo, who attended the Paris evening, said commercial interest is keeping pace. Broadcast negotiations with European and American platforms are underway, while a blockchain-based ticketing pilot could reduce fraud. “We want accessibility without sacrificing security,” he stated.
Ansu Sidibé, coach of Paris-based amateur club Espoirs d’Afrique, believes the buzz can inspire younger players. “Seeing the trophy up close demystifies the dream,” he said. Several Congolese teenagers from his team posted selfies that have since gone viral on TikTok and Instagram.
African Union sports commissioner Angela Bessala, speaking via video link, urged governments to leverage the event for youth employment. She highlighted digital skills, event safety and creative industries as sectors where temporary contracts could evolve into lasting careers once the final whistle is blown.
Congo fans already counting the days
At the Paris expo, red-blue flags of the Diables Rouges mingled with Moroccan green stars. Supporters swapped WhatsApp numbers and promised to charter buses once group stage fixtures are announced. For many, a trip south in 2025 doubles as a long-overdue family reunion and joyful memories.
Airlines serving Brazzaville, Pointe-Noire and Casablanca note December and January are peak booking months. Royal Air Maroc confirmed it is studying extra flights from Kinshasa and Libreville to connect smoothly with Congolese domestic carriers.
Back in Brazzaville, the Sports Ministry says preparations will intensify once the final qualifying window closes in September 2024. Friendlies against West and North African opponents are planned, and a technical mission recently inspected Morocco’s training facilities.