Borussia Dortmund Opens First Official Academy in Africa
By TUW
Borussia Dortmund has expanded its global footprint by opening its first official football academy on the African continent, marking a major milestone in the club’s international youth development strategy. The BVB International Academy Ghana was officially launched in Accra in February 2026.
The new academy represents a strategic move by the German club to strengthen its presence in international grassroots football. Designed to provide a structured and professional environment, the academy aims to support the sporting and personal development of young players, guided by Borussia Dortmund’s established youth training philosophy and core values.
Benedikt Scholz, Director of Internationalisation and Managing Director of the BVB Football Academy, said the opening reflects Dortmund’s long-standing connection with Ghanaian football. He noted that the club has historic ties to the country through former players such as Otto Addo and Ibrahim Tanko. Scholz added that the academy is intended to build sustainable development structures in close cooperation with local partners, with a long-term vision for nurturing young talent.
The BVB International Academy Ghana forms part of Dortmund’s global academy network and focuses on more than just technical football skills. Key areas of emphasis include teamwork, discipline, responsibility and sustainable talent development. The programme is designed to work closely with existing local football structures to ensure meaningful and lasting impact on youth development in the region.
Senior BVB representatives attended the official opening in early February, including Florian Ingwersen, Head of Global Football Development, and Michael Rütten, Head of Coaching at the BVB Evonik Football Academy. Their presence underscored the club’s commitment to maintaining high coaching and educational standards at the new facility.
With the addition of the Ghana academy, Borussia Dortmund continues to strengthen its international academy network, reaffirming its ambition to identify and develop young football talent worldwide through clear sporting and educational principles.
