Visa, a global pioneer in digital payments and the designated digital payment provider for the ongoing TotalEnergies CAF AFCON, Côte d’Ivoire 2023 tournament, is not only facilitating seamless financial transactions but also paving the way for young football enthusiasts to make lasting memories on the pitch.

The Visa Player Escort program, a collaboration with financial institutions, football federations, community partners, and NGOs, is showcasing the unifying power of football by providing over 800 children, aged 9 to 13, with the extraordinary opportunity to accompany world-renowned football players onto the field.

Aida Diarra, Senior Vice-President, and Head of Sub-Saharan Africa at Visa expressed the company's pride in supporting the Africa Cup of Nations, describing it as a celebration of Africa's vibrant football heritage and passion.

"Our Player Escort Programme is designed to fuel the passion of young enthusiasts and cultivate their love for football while creating memories that will last a lifetime. We're thrilled to offer these budding stars a once-in-a-lifetime experience and to highlight the unifying power and spirit of football," Diarra stated.

The program kicked off during the Group Stage, with 500 children already relishing the thrill of stepping onto the AFCON pitch alongside their football heroes. .

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The tournament's opening game was particularly poignant, featuring 22 children from families connected to a national traceability system for coffee and cocoa, a project initiated by the Cocoa Coffee Council of Côte d’Ivoire, Panelys, and Visa.

This initiative aims to provide end-to-end digital financial traceability solutions to over 700,000 cocoa farmers in the region.

Visa Player Escorts CAF AFCON 2023. PHOTO/COURTESY

Yacine Idriss Diallo, President of the Ivorian Federation of Football, shared his delight in partnering with Visa on the Player Escort Program. He remarked, "During the start of the tournament, we have already seen how AFCON 2023 is inspiring a new generation of future football fans across Côte d’Ivoire."

Diallo emphasized the unique experience provided by Visa's program, stating that walking on the pitch alongside their idols would create special memories for more than 800 young Ivorians, strengthening the passion for the game throughout the country.

The selection process for participating children was meticulous, encompassing sources such as the academies and training camps of the Ivorian Football Federation, an educational institution managed by the Foundation Magic System NGO, children of Visa employees, and youngsters related to Visa's banking and fintech customers.

As the tournament progresses, Visa continues to facilitate digital payment technology at all six stadia, hosting 24 teams playing 52 matches.

Visa's commitment to African football extends beyond this tournament, with the recent announcement of the extension of its partnership with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) until 2026.

For the first time, this partnership will also cover the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), the African High School tournament, and the integration of Visa products and services in all of CAF’s operations.

Visa's involvement transcends transactions, making a lasting impact on the future of African football and the hearts of young fans.