As the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) heats up in Morocco, the continent’s biggest football spectacle is also doubling as a powerful showcase of Africa’s growing digital muscle.
From mobile-first broadcasting and AI-driven analytics to smart stadium infrastructure, AFCON 2025 is redefining what a world-class fan experience looks like in Africa.
At the heart of this transformation is a landmark agreement between Orange Middle East & Africa and the Confederation of African Football (CAF), granting the giant telco mobile-only broadcasting rights for the Total Energies CAF AFCON Morocco 2025 via the Max it super app.
The tournament which began on 21 December 2025 and ends on 18 January 2026 is expected to draw tens of millions of viewers across the continent.
Through Max it TV, Orange is streaming a curated selection of 35 live matches across 13 Sub-Saharan African markets, including Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Mali and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Yasser Shaker, CEO of Orange Middle East and Africa, highlighted that the deal reflects a decisive shift toward mobile consumption, recognising that for many African fans, the smartphone is now the primary screen.
“This year, with Max it, we are bringing our digital vision to life by delivering a fully integrated experience. Football is more than just a sport. It’s a shared passion that unites and empowers communities across Africa,” he said.
Beyond the broadcast itself, AFCON Morocco 2025 is leveraging technology to modernise the tournament end-to-end. Stadiums are equipped with advanced connectivity, smart access control systems and enhanced security technologies, while CAF continues to deploy VAR and data-driven officiating tools to improve fairness and accuracy on the pitch.
AI and data analytics are also playing a growing role behind the scenes, from performance analysis used by coaching teams to real-time content curation and personalised fan engagement on digital platforms.
Low-latency streaming technology ensures matches on Max it are delivered as close to live as possible, even in bandwidth-constrained environments.
CAF, the sport’s governing body, believes these innovations are about more than spectacle. The Patrice Motsepe-led organisation stressed that using tech to enhance excellence is aimed at setting new standards for African tournaments.
“Our ambition is to deliver an AFCON that matches the best in the world, both on and off the field,” a CAF official said.
On the pitch, traditional heavyweights in Orange’s key markets, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon and Mali, are widely tipped as favourites, with Morocco also eyeing glory on home soil.
For African fans, AFCON 2025 is not just a football tournament. It is a statement that Africa’s digital future has arrived in stadiums, on networks and in the palms of millions of hands.
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