Beyond the Stadium: TECNO Engages Moroccan Fans with AI Innovation Throughout AFCON 2025

Following the opening of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025, TECNO expanded its tournament presence beyond the stadiums and into public spaces across Morocco through a series of TECNO AI pop-up stores and fan zones in Rabat and Casablanca. Designed to bring AI-powered innovation closer to everyday consumers, these activations allow visitors to experience how TECNO AI enhances smartphone use—from photography and gaming to productivity and entertainment.

In total, TECNO activated four experiential venues—two pop-up stores and two fan zones—with one of each launched simultaneously in both cities. This parallel rollout across Morocco’s major urban centres ensured consistent visibility and engagement throughout the tournament.

The opening ceremony marked the official launch of TECNO’s AFCON “Power Your Moment” campaign, welcoming invited clients, partners, and guests as the tournament kicked off. From the same day, the brand opened its spaces to the public, shifting from a symbolic brand moment to sustained, hands-on consumer engagement.

By maintaining an ongoing presence rather than a one-off activation, TECNO stayed connected with fans throughout different stages of the competition. Visitors were able to repeatedly engage with TECNO AI features in real-life scenarios, reinforcing accessibility and relevance. Special live performances—featuring juggling demonstrations alongside African music and dance—were staged on December 21 and are set to return on January 18, creating a vibrant atmosphere that blended technology, culture, and entertainment.

TECNO AI Pop-Up Stores: Immersive, Fan-First Experiences

Located near Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca and Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, the TECNO AI pop-up stores were designed as immersive, consumer-centric environments rather than traditional retail spaces. Open for a limited period during AFCON 2025, each pop-up combined product discovery with interactive AI demonstrations, allowing visitors to explore TECNO AI features across multiple touchpoints.

Guests were welcomed with complimentary gifts and guided experiences, while simple interactive challenges encouraged participation and social sharing. By connecting physical interaction with digital engagement, the pop-up stores translated advanced AI technology into clear, tangible benefits that consumers could immediately understand and enjoy.

At the core of each pop-up, the AI Experience Area showcased real-world applications of TECNO AI through large-format screens and interactive stations. Visitors could test features hands-on, discovering how AI enhances everyday moments such as photography, content creation, and productivity. This approach positioned TECNO AI not as a distant or complex technology, but as an intuitive tool designed to make daily smartphone use smarter, easier, and more creative.

Additional installations deepened engagement. A fashion-inspired clothing swap experience featured jerseys representing all 24 AFCON 2025 national teams, allowing fans to express their support through a creative, participatory activity. The Champions Road installation invited visitors to interact with a team matchup board using magnetic markers, encouraging predictions, photo sharing, and social engagement.

The Product Experience Area provided hands-on access to TECNO’s latest smartphones and connected devices, supported by on-site brand representatives. A customisation station allowed visitors to personalise their phones with AFCON-themed back stickers, creating keepsakes tied to the tournament. Photo zones throughout the pop-ups encouraged content creation, while a CSR Culture Wall highlighted TECNO’s long-term commitment to youth development and grassroots football across Africa.

TECNO Fan Zones: Community Spaces Beyond the Stadium

Complementing the pop-up stores, TECNO also established open-access fan zones at Anfa Park in Casablanca and OLM Souissi in Rabat. Operating throughout match days, these spaces were free to enter and required no purchase or registration, welcoming football fans and passersby alike.

The fan zones focused on shared experience rather than transaction, featuring relaxed product discovery areas, free photo-taking and printing services, and interactive challenges designed to encourage participation. Skill-based football activities, including juggling and heading challenges, animated both the fan zones and pop-up stores, creating spontaneous moments of engagement and crowd interaction.

Giveaway mechanics were linked to simple social media actions, while non-competitive photo activities encouraged visitors to capture and share their experiences online, prioritising inclusivity, participation, and community visibility.

By activating simultaneously in Rabat and Casablanca and sustaining programming across key moments of the tournament, TECNO established a strong and continuous physical presence throughout AFCON 2025. Rather than limiting its engagement to the opening ceremony, the brand embedded its pop-up stores and fan zones into the daily rhythm of the competition—bringing together technology, football, and urban culture in public spaces across Morocco.