Football stakeholders have called for increased investment at grassroots, youth and women’s football to strengthen the sport’s development across Africa.

Speaking during the fourth edition of the Africa Football Business Summit in Mombasa, Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Hussein Mohammed said the federation is channelling more resources towards nurturing young talents and improving governance structures within the sport.

Mohammed noted that FKF is undergoing major restructuring to promote accountability and professionalism in football management.

“Our focus as a federation will be to invest in youth football. We are restructuring the federation to ensure strong governance systems, and in the coming months, there will be significant investment in youth and women’s football,” he said.

He added that FKF is also investing in data analytics and modern administrative systems to enhance efficiency in football management.

The FKF president further announced plans to launch a regional beach football tournament to be hosted in the Coast region, noting that the area has shown great progress in developing the sport.

“This region has shown us that it is possible to fix football through collaboration and cooperation. We thank the Mombasa branch leadership for their efforts in promoting the game,” he said.

President of the Grenada Football Association (GFA) and Fifa Technical Development Committee member, Marlon Glean, who attended the summit, praised Kenya’s football leadership and called for stronger collaboration between Africa and the Caribbean in promoting football globally.

“Kenyan football is in good hands. We in the Caribbean see ourselves as an extension of Africa since we share the same bloodline, culture and passion. It’s time Africa and the Caribbean stand together to dominate the global football space,” he said.

Glean pointed out that with about 79 FIFA member associations between Africa and the Caribbean, the two regions have the potential to influence global football policies if they work together.

“There’s no reason we shouldn’t be dominating the global football arena,” he added.

Hussein also asked Kenyans to rally behind the Harambee Starlets, who are scheduled to play against Gambia in a qualifier match at Nyayo Stadium.

“Please come out in large numbers to support our girls. They have shown great promise, and we believe they will make the country proud,” he said.

Summit organiser and Football Foundation for Africa Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Brian Wesaala said the annual event aims to bring together stakeholders from across Africa to exchange ideas and promote investment in the sport.

“The idea behind this summit is to bring together stakeholders from across Africa and beyond to develop ideas and projects that go beyond the pitch. We can only achieve sustainable growth if we build an ecosystem that connects sponsors, media and football organisations,” he said.

He thanked the event sponsors, including Nation Media Group, Skyward Express and Pwani Oil for their continued support in promoting football development initiatives.

“Africa has its challenges, but within those challenges lie opportunities. It’s time to take ownership of our football development and work together to build a stronger, self-sustaining industry,” he added.

The two-day summit, hosted in Mombasa, has attracted football administrators, investors, and partners from Africa and the Caribbean, with discussions focusing on governance, youth empowerment, and building a sustainable football economy across the continent.

Participants follow proceedings keenly during the Africa Football Business Summit held in Mombasa on October 23, 2025.

• A Tell Media / KNA rport / By Chari Suche