Africa Cup in Morocco.. Bourita, Loukjaa, and Motsepe Inaugurate a Fan Zone

Nasser Bourita, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccans Residing Abroad, accompanied by Fouzi Lekjaa, President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, and Patrice Motsepe, President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), today Saturday inaugurated the fan zone of the Moroccan Agency for International Cooperation (AMCI) on the occasion of hosting the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 in the Kingdom of Morocco.

The "AMCI Fan Zone" is a space dedicated to students and graduates of the cooperation programs supervised by the Kingdom of Morocco. It aims to "strengthen human and cultural ties in a unifying festive atmosphere" by "providing a safe and friendly place that allows the public to watch matches collectively and engage in a celebratory cultural and sporting experience reflecting the spirit of African football and the values of coexistence and exchange among the peoples of the continent."

According to information announced at an official ceremony held at the agency's headquarters in Rabat, in the presence of various representatives of African diplomatic bodies, the AMCI Fan Zone will be open daily from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM. It has been designed around five integrated interactive spaces that meet the interests of different visitors.

The first space, "Play and Football," is dedicated to skill games, sports challenges, and organizing tournaments, while the "Watch and Celebrate" space aims to provide an atmosphere combining match viewing on giant screens, musical performances, and DJ platforms.

The "African Culture" space highlights the richness and diversity of African heritage through artistic performances, interactive workshops, and live shows, while the "Games and Technology" space offers interactive digital experiences and video games aimed at innovation and modern technology enthusiasts.

The journey concludes with the "Inspiration and Discussion" space, which hosts seminars, intellectual meetings, and open discussions bringing together students, graduates, and actors from various backgrounds to exchange ideas and experiences.

Patrice Motsepe, President of the African Football Confederation, took the floor and thanked King Mohammed VI, Nasser Bourita, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccans Residing Abroad, and Fouzi Lekjaa, President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, for all their efforts to promote the African continent on various levels and for providing all the necessary organizational standards for the success of the Africa Cup of Nations "Morocco 2025."

Motsepe also pointed out that "people travel the world and encounter young and talented individuals from different regions who carry in their hearts a high passion and visible enthusiasm to contribute to the future of their countries," noting that "African citizens benefiting from Moroccan cooperation programs share the same concern," expressing his gratitude that Morocco "hosts students from 48 African countries within this framework."

Addressing the African students, the CAF president said: "You represent the future of our continent; and when we are confident in Africa, we are certain that when you leave universities (and Moroccan institutes), equipped with your skills, you will find jobs, start projects, create job opportunities in your countries, and contribute to the development and improvement of living conditions for your peoples in your countries." He added, "You will also remember the special bonds and the role Morocco played in your education and growth because together we are part of this new Africa."

The continental football official returned to the "CAN celebration" starting tomorrow in the Kingdom, saying: "Morocco brings together 54 African countries, whether those participating in the game or those not participating," adding: "There are millions of Africans in Europe, America, the Caribbean, and the diaspora, all of whom will watch football tomorrow. For us, we have always believed that the football ball is a powerful tool to unite and bring together our peoples and build links between Africa and the rest of the world."

The presentation, held in the presence of various Moroccan and African officials, indicated that the space will broadcast 46 live matches on a giant screen out of 52 scheduled matches in the tournament, covering 88 percent, allowing the audience a collective viewing experience. It also provides more than 80 hours of interactive match follow-up, alongside organizing 16 cultural and artistic performances over eight days, celebrating African creativity and cultural diversity.

The AMCI Fan Zone also includes six experiential spaces and thematic corridors designed to meet visitors' interests in sports, culture, technology, and intellectual discussion. The area is expected to receive more than 50,000 visitors throughout the event, making it one of the most prominent parallel spaces of the tournament.

To encourage university sports and interaction among students, a student league consisting of 27 matches will be organized "to enhance the spirit of fair competition and teamwork among students and graduates of international cooperation programs," within the framework of "the Moroccan Agency for International Cooperation's commitment to making sports and culture pillars for rapprochement among African peoples and consolidating Morocco's position as a key player in cultural and sports diplomacy on the continent."