IAEA Deploys Advanced Nuclear Security Capabilities to Protect AFCON 2025 in Morocco

For AFCON 2025, the Agency’s support began months ahead of kickoff. In June, an IAEA expert mission assessed Morocco’s existing nuclear security arrangements in Rabat.

As the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) concludes today in Rabat, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has confirmed it provided critical nuclear security support to Morocco, underscoring the growing role of advanced detection technologies and global coordination in safeguarding major sporting events.

With hundreds of thousands of fans attending matches across Morocco between 21 December and 18 January, the scale of AFCON required enhanced security systems to prevent the misuse of nuclear or other radioactive materials. At Morocco’s request, the IAEA worked closely with national authorities to review, strengthen and operationalise nuclear security measures throughout the tournament.

Securing Mega Events in a High-Tech Threat Landscape

Large public events present unique security challenges, particularly as illicit radioactive materials can be small, mobile and difficult to detect without specialised equipment and training. Since 2004, the IAEA has supported 49 countries in securing 88 major public events, combining technical guidance, hands-on training and advanced radiation detection technologies.

For AFCON 2025, the Agency’s support began months ahead of kickoff. In June, an IAEA expert mission assessed Morocco’s existing nuclear security arrangements in Rabat. This was followed by intensive training for Moroccan officials at the IAEA Nuclear Security Training and Demonstration Centre—the world’s first international facility dedicated exclusively to nuclear security capacity-building.

From Equipment to Expertise

To further strengthen on-the-ground readiness, the IAEA loaned radiation detection equipment for use during matches and national-level security exercises held in October in Rabat and Marrakech. These exercises simulated realistic nuclear security scenarios and were conducted with direct IAEA participation.

“The IAEA is committed to helping countries stay vigilant during high-profile events,” said Elena Buglova, Director of the IAEA Division of Nuclear Security. “Our collaboration with Morocco reflects years of experience supporting African nations in hosting AFCON safely for teams and fans alike.”

A Global Model for Sports Security Innovation

Morocco’s AFCON deployment is part of a wider push by the IAEA to integrate nuclear security into global event planning. The Agency is currently supporting Mexico as it prepares to co-host the FIFA World Cup 2026 alongside Canada and the United States, and in 2025 it extended its expertise to Formula 1 for the first time, supporting Azerbaijan at the Baku Grand Prix.

These efforts highlight a growing convergence between sports, security technology and international cooperation, as hosts increasingly adopt advanced detection, training and response systems to protect spectators at scale.

“The IAEA’s technical support strengthened our national nuclear safety and security capabilities and helped ensure AFCON took place in a safe environment,” said Bouchaib Fikri, Morocco’s national focal point for IAEA cooperation. “This partnership demonstrates Morocco’s strong commitment to nuclear security.”

Call to Action: Scaling Security Tech for Global Events

As global sporting events grow larger and more complex, the IAEA’s work positions nuclear security as a critical—and often unseen—layer of modern event infrastructure. The AFCON deployment offers a real-world blueprint for security technology providers, detection system developers, training platforms and emergency-response innovators seeking to scale solutions for high-density public environments.

With threats evolving and crowds growing, the message is clear: future-proofing global events means investing early in advanced, coordinated security technologies.