NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya is poised to gain from a new global infrastructure initiative after the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) and FIFA signed a financing partnership expected to unlock up to Sh129 billion (USD 1 billion) in concessional loans for developing countries.
The agreement, anchored in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), aims to support the construction and upgrading of FIFA-certified stadiums and related sports infrastructure.
Under the programme, FIFA Member Associations—including Kenya—will be eligible to apply for low-interest financing to modernise stadiums and create multi-purpose facilities designed to spur both sporting excellence and community development.
Priority will be given to countries that demonstrate clear policies leveraging sport for national development, social inclusion, and youth empowerment.
SFD Chief Executive Sultan bin Abdulrahman Al-Marshad said the partnership reflects a broader commitment to using sport as a driver of economic and social growth. “Sport is more than competition. It’s a catalyst for development and inclusion.
Through concessional financing, we are helping countries build the infrastructure they need to unlock potential, empower young people, and strengthen communities for generations to come,” he said.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino welcomed the deal, describing it as a significant step toward ensuring all Member Associations have access to world-class infrastructure.
“The memorandum of understanding with the Saudi Fund for Development will provide up to USD 1 billion in loans to finance the construction and enhancement of FIFA-certified stadiums,” he noted. “This is a crucial step in ensuring our Member Associations have the facilities to make football truly global.”
The initiative is expected to create jobs, stimulate local business activity around new and upgraded stadiums, and provide safe, modern spaces for young athletes to develop their skills.
For Kenya, the partnership comes at a time when the government has intensified investment in sports infrastructure, culminating in the successful co-hosting of the African Nations Championships (CHAN 2025). Infantino attended the tournament’s final at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, where he observed Kenya’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its sports ecosystem.
Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Hussein Mohammed expressed optimism that Kenya would feature prominently among the beneficiaries. “I appreciate the Saudi Fund for Development for stepping forward with support that will help developing Member Associations like FKF invest in modern, FIFA-certified infrastructure.
This is the kind of commitment that strengthens football ecosystems, creates opportunity for our youth, and lays the foundation for long-term growth,” he said.
Analysts say the deal positions Kenya to attract additional investments from private-sector partners, development agencies, and regional organisations seeking to collaborate on large-scale sports infrastructure.
If approved, the financing could accelerate ongoing stadium upgrades and support new projects aimed at elevating Kenya’s competitiveness in regional and global football.
With the MoU now in effect, Member Associations are expected to begin submitting proposals outlining priority projects, financing needs, and long-term maintenance plans. The final selection will depend on technical feasibility, national strategies, and alignment with FIFA’s global football development agenda.