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FIFA President Infantino was in Abu Dhabi for the 13th WTO Ministerial Conference chaired by WTO Director-General Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
In a groundbreaking collaboration aimed at transforming lives and livelihoods in West Africa, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has underscored the significance of FIFA's alliance with the World Trade Organization (WTO).
Pulse Sports Nigeria reports that the partnership, aimed at utilizing football as a catalyst for economic inclusion, was championed by Infantino during his address at a special event held in Abu Dhabi, convened around the 13th WTO Ministerial Conference and chaired by the former Nigerian minister of finance and WTO Director-General Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
FIFA meets Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
At the heart of this initiative lies the Cotton-4 plus (C4+) program, designed to harness the power of football to drive economic growth and empowerment in developing nations.
Infantino emphasized the transformative potential of football beyond the pitch, stressing the need to create tangible impacts on the lives of people, according to a report by FIFA media.
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Through the C4+ initiative, FIFA aims to spotlight the economic significance of cotton production in West Africa, particularly in countries such as Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad, and Mali.
Speaking passionately about the initiative, Infantino highlighted the immense economic value of football, which currently generates nearly USD 270 billion globally, with a substantial portion concentrated in Europe.
By expanding the football economy beyond Europe, Infantino believes that the potential for economic growth and poverty alleviation is immense, with Africa poised to play a pivotal role in this transformation.
Echoing Infantino's sentiments, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala emphasised the untapped economic potential of the sports apparel market in Africa, stressing the need to create value-added products on the continent.
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The partnership between FIFA and WTO seeks to leverage football's global appeal to promote sustainable development and economic empowerment, with a specific focus on the C4+ cotton-producing countries in Africa.
As part of its commitment to this cause, FIFA has pledged to incorporate C4+ cotton products into its programs, thereby driving investment and development in African value chains.
Infantino reiterated FIFA's dedication to supporting countries worldwide, particularly those with limited resources, through initiatives such as Football for Schools, which aims to utilize sportswear produced in C4+ countries.
In essence, FIFA's partnership with WTO represents a significant step towards harnessing the power of football to drive economic empowerment and sustainable development in West Africa and beyond. As Infantino aptly puts it, "Football is not just a game—it's a vehicle for change, progress, and empowerment."
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The event also featured contributions from key stakeholders, including government ministers from the UAE, Chad, Benin, and Mali, underlining the collaborative effort to promote sustainable development through trade and football.
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