Omotayo Fashola
(CAF. Photo by Nigeria Stories)
In a groundbreaking announcement, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has reportedly doubled the prize money for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) from $1 million to an unprecedented $2 million.
This sweeping financial upgrade was disclosed by CAF officials during a global press briefing in Johannesburg earlier this week, marking another milestone in the federation’s push to elevate women’s football across the continent.
Under Dr. Patrice Motsepe’s leadership, WAFCON’s prize fund has undergone a staggering transformation—from $200,000 when he assumed office to $1 million in 2024, and now a historic $2 million for the upcoming tournament.
Motsepe emphasized that CAF’s commitment extends beyond rhetoric, calling the financial leap a tangible demonstration of the federation’s dedication to empowering women’s football. He highlighted that since his tenure began, WAFCON’s prize purse has multiplied tenfold.
The increased investment arrives amid growing scrutiny over CAF’s handling of previous WAFCON editions, including this year’s postponement from March to July—the second delay in recent years.
While acknowledging operational missteps, Motsepe defended the decision to retain Morocco as hosts despite logistical complications, stating that ethical consistency outweighed convenience. He revealed that alternative hosts had expressed interest, but reallocating the event would have been unjust.
“True progress demands transparency and accountability, not denial,” Motsepe stated, stressing that the postponement ultimately allowed CAF to secure higher prize money and amplify the tournament’s profile—an outcome unlikely had it proceeded as initially planned.
The 2024 WAFCON, he noted, will be a watershed moment for African women’s football, featuring 16 teams for the first time, up from 12 in past editions.
Scheduled from July 26 to August 16, the Morocco-hosted championship will also serve as the qualifying pathway for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, with the top four teams securing direct entry to the global tournament in Brazil.
“Women’s football in Africa deserves no less than full-throated investment,” Motsepe asserted, framing the enhancements as foundational steps toward lasting equity in the sport.
