Abidjan, March 16, 2023 (AIP) – The first sports investment fund in Côte d’Ivoire, named Detect Pro Fund, was officially launched on Tuesday, March 14, 2023, in Abidjan. This groundbreaking initiative aims to train young individuals from underprivileged backgrounds in football.
A Historic Investment for Côte d’Ivoire
The fund, worth 4.3 billion FCFA, seeks to identify and train 20 young talents, aged between 16 and 18, from disadvantaged communities. These young individuals will have the opportunity to join the PSG Academy Pro in Dakar, Senegal, for a two-year sports-education program.
The General Director of Africa Capital Markets Corporation (ACMC), the project’s managing entity, stated that the fund aims to finance 100 young talents over a five-year period, averaging 20 young players annually. This substantial support represents a significant step forward for the development of football and social inclusion in Côte d’Ivoire.
A Social and Educational Focus
The Detect Pro Fund also incorporates a strong social component, dedicated to financing the educational and sports training of young talents. Moreover, local training clubs partnering with the program will benefit from revenue through the FIFA Solidarity Training Compensation Mechanism, which will enhance their infrastructure and contribute to the development of new talent, thus strengthening the local championship’s quality.
A Springboard for Ivorian Talents
The fund aims to create a pool of professional players capable of reinforcing the national team and improving its performance in international competitions. Organized as a Public Limited Company with a Board of Directors, Detect Pro Fund is supported by the performance of Ivorian football players playing for international clubs.
The fund targets both individual and institutional investors seeking innovative and high-performing investment opportunities. According to Avoa Olivier, a representative of the Minister of Sports, this private initiative is highly valued and supported by Minister Danho Paulin, aligning with the priorities set by President Alassane Ouattara for the year 2023.
Promising Results Already
During the first edition of Detect Pro Fund, six Ivorian footballers were selected and are currently undergoing training in Dakar. Two of them are set to travel for a three-month trial at Slavia Prague, a Ligue 1 club and leader of the Czech Republic Championship, with hopes of securing a professional contract.
This fund represents a major initiative for the development of sports in Côte d’Ivoire, offering promising prospects for many young talents from underprivileged backgrounds.
For more details, refer to the sources of the article: fratmat.info, FAAPA, Afrimag, Abidjan.net, FAR, financial Africa, sport ivoire, mondial sport, Ami sportif.
