Touch technology redefines Africa cup stadium experience
Touch technology brought a silent revolution to fan interaction during the 35th Africa Cup of Nations tournament. Organisers provided visually impaired fans access to three of the 52 matches using innovative assistive devices.
It also emphasised the role of innovation in changing the viewing experience beyond the conventional manner of watching. Pictures of the visually and hearing-impaired fans using the devices went viral on various social platforms. The initiative was referred to as historic and a significant move toward inclusiveness in the Moroccan media.
CAF’s commitment to inclusive infrastructure
CAF president Patrice Motsepe addressed accessibility during his closing press conference on Saturday, 17 January 2026.
“We have an ongoing duty that facilities and infrastructure that we’ve provided – because it’s an obligation we have, it’s also a commitment we have. And we will continue increasing the infrastructure facilities for all disabled supporters. It’s very, very important,” Patrice Motsepe said. Motsepe framed accessibility as both a moral and organisational responsibility.
CAF’s approach indicates growing recognition of disabled supporters across the highly active African football ecosystems. However, advocates argue inclusion must extend beyond symbolic gestures.
Disability advocates demand substance over symbolism
Disability-rights advocate Idir Ouguindi expressed his thoughts about celebratory narratives around inclusion. “A lot of measures are presented as inclusive, but when we look into their details, it’s generally token measures made for imagery and communication,” Idir Ouguindi told The Associated Press.
Ouguindi has advocated for disability rights for 30 years and uses crutches to walk. His remarks underline long-standing frustrations with surface-level accessibility initiatives. They also challenge organisers to embed inclusivity within core planning frameworks.
How Touch2See tech changed the matchday experience
Mohammed El Hachimi experienced the technology during a group stage match in Rabat. The game featured Congo against Botswana during the tournament’s early phase. El Hachimi, a blind computer science teacher, described the experience as “extraordinary”.
Using a soccer-field-shaped tablet made by French company Touch2See, he followed play independently. A magnetic cursor tracked the ball’s movement in real time across the tablet surface. The device translated live match data into tactile feedback. This technology allowed visually impaired fans to engage with the match without intermediaries.
Lessons for Africa’s betting industry
The same technology-driven thinking is reshaping Africa’s fast-growing betting industry. Gireesh Kumar Devjani, Cluster General Manager at Betika, sees innovation as decisive.
“Africa’s betting industry is growing fast — but only the tech-driven companies are winning,” Gireesh said. “From mobile-first users to instant mobile money payments, the future of betting on the continent is being shaped by innovation, not luck.”
He pointed out mobile-first customers as the backbone of this industry. Betting through smartphones requires lean apps, USSD, and a simple user experience. Seamless digital payment options establish trust.
Automation supports AI-powered odds, risk management, and personalised offerings at scale. Live betting, streaming, and gamification now drive engagement and retention. Technology-powered compliance solutions are also helping operators adjust to changing regulations. In the ever-dynamic sports-betting market in Africa, innovation will be fundamental in determining who will be relevant going forward.
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