The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has taken a significant step towards enhancing the quality of football broadcasting across Africa. The organization recently launched the CAF Broadcast Academy and the TV Director’s Programme in Johannesburg, marking a new era for African football coverage.
This initiative is in line with CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe's vision of making African football globally competitive. With over 1.4 billion TV viewers and 2.2 billion digital streams for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, there is an evident global interest in African football that can be further harnessed by improving broadcast standards.
The newly established CAF Broadcast Academy aims to train various professionals involved in broadcasting over the next two years, including TV directors, camera operators, producers, and commentators. The ultimate goal is to ensure that all 54 CAF Member Associations produce world-class football broadcasts that attract even more global attention.
First training workshop
The first training workshop was held at SuperSport studios in Johannesburg, targeting English-speaking countries. It saw participation from 18 TV directors from 16 nations who gathered to learn and share insights on improving their craft.
South African Football Association (SAFA) President Dr. Danny Jordaan graced the certification ceremony following this successful event. Looking ahead, a similar workshop catering specifically to French-speaking countries is scheduled for April.
Collaborative effort led by industry experts
Leading this transformative training initiative is HBS/FIFA World Cup Director Jamie Oakfield, supported by several key partners including beIN Sport, Canal+, and SuperSport, among others associated with CAF’s broadcast operations.
CAF General Secretary, Véron Mosengo-Omba, said:
“The CAF Broadcast Academy is a practical step to improve TV production quality. Our President, Dr. Motsepe, wants African football to be among the best in the world, and high-quality broadcasts are key to that goal.”
The launch of the CAF Broadcast Academy and TV Director’s Programme is a promising step towards improving the quality of African football coverage. By training professionals and raising broadcast standards, CAF aims to bring African football into sharper focus on the global stage. This initiative not only aligns with their vision for global competitiveness but also paves the way for increased viewership and recognition of African football worldwide.
