TECNO has rolled out fan zones and AI-powered pop-up stores in Morocco as part of its activation for the Africa Cup of Nations 2025, using the tournament to bring its artificial intelligence technology closer to football fans across major urban centres.

The smartphone brand said in a statement on Wednesday that the activations, located in Rabat and Casablanca, were designed to extend its presence beyond match venues and into public spaces where fans gather during the competition. In total, TECNO launched four experiential venues, two fan zones and two pop-up stores, with one of each operating simultaneously in both cities.

According to the company, the initiative forms part of its “Power Your Moment” AFCON 2025 campaign, which kicked off at the tournament’s opening ceremony and has since shifted toward sustained public engagement throughout the duration of the competition.

The AI-powered pop-up stores, positioned near the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca and the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, allow visitors to interact directly with TECNO’s latest smartphones. Fans are able to test AI-driven features across photography, gaming, content creation and productivity, supported by interactive installations, phone customisation points and on-site product demonstrations.

TECNO said the pop-up spaces were designed as immersive experience centres rather than conventional retail outlets, enabling consumers to explore how its AI technology can be used in everyday scenarios while linking digital innovation with football culture.

Alongside the pop-up stores, the company established open-access fan zones at Anfa Park in Casablanca and OLM Souissi in Rabat. The fan zones operate on match days and are open to the public without the need for purchase or prior registration, featuring football skill challenges, photo activities, giveaways and informal product discovery areas aimed at encouraging community participation.

The brand added that cultural elements, including live football juggling performances as well as African music and dance showcases, were introduced on 21 December and are scheduled to return on 18 January as part of the programme of activities running alongside the tournament.

By activating in two of Morocco’s largest cities and maintaining a presence across multiple match days, TECNO said it aims to remain closely connected with African fans throughout AFCON 2025, positioning its AI-powered smartphones as accessible tools while embedding the brand within the broader rhythm and culture of the continent’s biggest football event.