The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially announced a 100% increase in prize money for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), a bold and decisive step that signals a new chapter in the development of the women’s game across the continent. This announcement comes as WAFCON 2024 prepares to kick off in Morocco, with the continent’s finest women footballers gearing up to battle not just for continental glory but for record financial rewards that match the rising prestige of the competition.
Unveiled alongside the tournament’s iconic golden trophy, a gleaming orb of Africa encased in elegant silver spirals, the revised prize money distribution has sent waves of excitement through African football circles. It represents not just a financial boost but a clear statement that the women’s game is being taken seriously at the highest level of African football administration.
Under this new structure, the winning team will walk away with USD 1,000,000, double the amount previously awarded. The runner-up will claim USD 500,000 while third place will receive USD 350,000. The team finishing in fourth place will secure USD 300,000 and each of the four quarter-finalists will earn USD 200,000. Teams finishing third in their respective groups will each receive USD 150,000 while those finishing fourth in their group will pocket USD 125,000
The total prize pool for the tournament now stands at an unprecedented USD 3,475,000, the highest ever in the history of African women’s football. Beyond the figures, it is the symbolism of this decision that has captured the imagination of players, coaches, fans, and administrators alike. It reflects a growing acknowledgment of the talent, passion, and marketability of African women’s football and sets a new standard for sporting equity on the continent
For decades, African women footballers have battled against not only tough opponents on the pitch but also deeply entrenched inequalities off it. Underfunding, poor infrastructure, and limited opportunities have hampered the growth of the women’s game. This prize money increase is a decisive move toward correcting those imbalances and creating an environment where women athletes can thrive and compete for rewards that reflect their worth
CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe described the decision as a critical investment in the future of African football. In his words, African women’s football has witnessed remarkable growth in recent years and it is only right that financial incentives keep pace with that progress. He emphasized that this move is part of a broader commitment by CAF to nurture and promote the women’s game across the continent, ensuring it receives the recognition and support it truly deserves.
The reaction to the announcement has been swift and overwhelmingly positive. Global football bodies, sports equity advocates, and fans alike have praised CAF’s bold leadership. FIFA’s Women’s Football Division lauded the move as a groundbreaking precedent that other confederations should emulate, calling it a significant leap for the women’s game globally
