Konami Secures Full Licensing Agreement with CAF, Launching Dedicated AFCON 25 Campaign
Konami Digital Entertainment has formalized a multi-year partnership with the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the governing body for African football. This landmark agreement secures the official licensing for CAF competitions, most notably the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) for both the 2025 and 2027 tournaments, officially integrating African football into the eFootball simulation series.
This strategic move strengthens eFootball’s global licensing portfolio, offering a valuable point of difference from competitors, and acknowledging the platform’s rapidly growing popularity across the African continent.
AFCON 25 Campaign Rolls Out
To commemorate the new alliance, Konami is immediately launching a special in-game event designed to capture the excitement of Africa’s premier international competition:
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Campaign Start: The CAF AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS 25 Campaign will begin in eFootball on Thursday, December 11th.
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Themed Events: The campaign will feature tournament events and themed competitions that mirror the atmosphere of the actual AFCON competition.
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African Star Players: Players can expect the inclusion and spotlighting of high-profile African international stars in special promotions and in-game events.
Konami has stated that the goal is to build long-term authenticity, indicating that regional stars, official tournament elements, and specialized content will be woven into the sim’s rhythm throughout 2025 and beyond.
Strategic Rationale for the Partnership
The collaboration is mutually beneficial, serving key strategic goals for both organizations:
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Authenticity for eFootball: The deal provides eFootball with authentic licenses, enhancing the game’s realism and excitement by incorporating one of the world’s most passionate football regions.
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Global Fan Engagement: For CAF, the partnership utilizes eFootball’s massive worldwide platform (with over 900 million downloads) to reach younger audiences and enhance global fan engagement, aligning with CAF’s digital transformation strategy.
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Market Growth: Both Konami and CAF recognize the explosive growth in interest for both traditional and digital football across Africa, making this a timely move to formalize their relationship and capitalize on the expanding market.
The integration of AFCON content is a major step in eFootball’s evolution, promising a richer and more globally representative football experience for players worldwide.