Confederation of African Football (CAF) president Patrice Motsepe has announced a record increase in prize money for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), as part of the confederation’s commitment to accelerating the growth of women’s football across the continent. The total prize pool has increased by 67%, rising from $3.475 million to $5.8 million. The champions will now receive $2 million—double the previous $1 million prize—while the runners-up will earn $750,000 and the third-placed team $500,000. ALSO READ:Mukansanga among officials to conduct women’s AFCON draw In another first, each of the 16 participating teams will receive $150,000 in participation funding, reinforcing CAF’s long-term strategy to strengthen women’s football at both national and continental levels. “Our objective is to continue investing in women’s football and ensure that our member associations dedicate more resources to developing the women’s game across the continent,” Motsepe said during a press conference in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Wednesday. “We are committed to investing in women’s football because the future of African football depends on creating more opportunities for our female players and ensuring our member associations continue to develop the women’s game.” CAF believes the increased financial support will encourage member associations to invest more in women’s football, talent identification and player development across the continent. Building on Africa’s World Cup success Reflecting on Africa’s historic performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Motsepe said the continent had taken another major step forward on the global stage. “If you look at the percentage of African teams that qualified for the Round of 32, it is the highest in the history of African football at the FIFA World Cup,” he said. To build on that success, CAF will increase investment in its 54 member associations and launch a continental network of youth academies in partnership with governments and private investors. “Our goal is to develop academies that combine education and football, giving young African talent the opportunity to succeed both on and off the pitch,” Motsepe said. The initiative forms part of CAF’s long-term strategy to strengthen youth development and help African nations compete consistently at the highest level of world football.
