Former Chelsea and Cote d’Ivoire striker, Didier Drogba has entered into partnership with official payment services for Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2021, Visa in a bid to support Small and Medium Businesses (SMBs) around the world through the ‘Where You Shop Matters’ initiative.
The initiative was targeted at encouraging people to shop locally.
Also, the Ivorian all-time top-scorer’s partnership will also extend to Visa’s sponsorship of the AFCON 2021 tournament, scheduled to hold in Cameroon by January 2022.
Commenting on the partnership, Drogba said, “Having lived and played in countries around the world, I have seen the important role that small businesses and entrepreneurs play in supporting communities everywhere”.
“After a very difficult year, it is vital that we all come together to support the small shops run by our families, friends and neighbours. My career wouldn’t have been possible without the first ball I bought from a local store with Visa. I hope we can support other businesses that help make dreams come true.”
The ‘Where You Shop Matters’ campaign aims to support SMBs get back to business and to prosper through a number of initiatives including its Visa Small Business Hub, a merchant platform providing tools and information on how to start, run and grow small businesses, which also features leading merchants that embody the passion and entrepreneurial spirit of small businesses.
Also commenting, the senior vice president and head of marketing, Visa Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa, Mohammed Ismaeel said, “At Visa, we are incredibly proud to be working alongside Drogba and to learn from someone who has done so much to champion communities and entrepreneurs everywhere, while having reached the pinnacle of his sport. We are so pleased to have Drogba serving as the face of our ‘Where You Shop Matters’ campaign and to help share the commitment, dedication and inspiration which we all aspire.”
