Following the CECAFA Elective General Assembly held in Djibouti City on Saturday, February 7, 2026, continental football leaders conducted a high-profile tour of the FIFA Talent Academy. Led by Gelson
Fernandes, FIFA’s Director of Member Associations for Africa, the visit showcased Djibouti as the premier East African model for the FIFA Talent Development Scheme (TDS).
The delegation, which included the Presidents of WAFU-A, WAFU-B, and COSAFA, praised the academy’s ability to integrate elite training with academic education for its intake of young boys and girls.
A New Era of Leadership: Paulos Weldehaimanot Andemariam
The tour was a victory lap for the region’s new leadership. During the Assembly, Paulos Weldehaimanot Andemariam, President of the Eritrean National Football Federation (ENFF), was elected unopposed as the new President of CECAFA for a four-year term.
His election follows the withdrawal of high-profile candidates from Uganda and Burundi, signaling a regional consensus toward his "accountability and integrity" platform.
The 2026 Continental Roadmap
The Assembly wasn't just about politics; it laid out a busy competitive year for the 12 member associations. The newly formed Executive Committee passed a calendar featuring seven major tournaments for the 2026 season, including:
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The CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup: The region’s flagship national team competition.
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The Kagame Club Championship: A premier regional club tournament.
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AFCON 2027 Preparations: With East Africa set to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, delegates emphasized using the Djibouti Academy model to ensure the host nations remain competitive.
The "Djibouti Model" of Success
Gelson Fernandes noted that Djibouti is leading the way in East Africa by successfully implementing the TDS, championed by FIFA’s Arsène Wenger.
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Facilities: The academy features state-of-the-art pitches and a professional housing environment for nearly 50 elite young players.
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Inclusivity: The program specifically targets both boys and girls, a move praised by Mozambique FA President Faizal Sidat as a "blueprint for Africa's future."
The Bottom Line
With a new President at the helm and a world-class talent pipeline now visible in Djibouti, CECAFA is positioning itself to be more than just a host for AFCON 2027. The focus has shifted from mere participation to institutionalizing "integrity and talent detection" as the region's competitive edge.
