In the lead-up to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Morocco has launched a sweeping initiative to train 15,000 volunteers who will be deployed nationwide to support the organization of the tournament. Among them are more than a thousand African students living in Morocco, joining forces with local youth in a collective effort to promote hospitality, cultural exchange, and seamless coordination during the event.
Spearheaded by the Local Organizing Committee in partnership with the Office of Vocational Training and Employment Promotion (OFPPT), the program aims to equip volunteers with the skills necessary to manage crowds, provide information, and assist fans across a variety of venues. Over 70 OFPPT centers are hosting the training sessions, with more than 150 professional trainers involved in delivering the curriculum.
The two-day training includes modules on crowd flow management, intercultural communication, logistical organization, and public behavior etiquette. Once trained, volunteers will serve in stadiums as well as key transit and hospitality points, including train stations, airports, and hotels, acting as the first point of contact for thousands of visitors expected throughout the month-long competition.
Chaymae Kiani, an OFPPT official, highlighted the significance of this effort in showcasing Morocco’s hospitality and organizational professionalism to an international audience. This sentiment was echoed by participant Chaimae El Hayyani, who described the experience as both enriching and empowering, noting that it allows young people to actively contribute to a major continental event.
For Meryem Keita, a volunteer from Mali, the program represents more than just logistical support—it’s an opportunity to foster unity among African nations and uphold shared values of openness and solidarity. She described it as a living example of coexistence and mutual respect, with volunteers serving as cultural ambassadors for the Kingdom.
Scheduled to run from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, the upcoming AFCON promises to be a landmark moment for Morocco, not only in terms of sports but also diplomacy and civic engagement. The scale and ambition of the volunteer program underscore the country’s commitment to delivering a world-class tournament while emphasizing the importance of community involvement in shaping the fan experience.
