CAF boosts Women’s Africa Cup of Nations prize fund by 900% – Motsepe announces $2m for winners

CAF President Patrice Motsepe says the prize money for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) has been increased by 900%, in what he calls an unprecedented investment in women’s football on the continent.

Speaking at a press conference at the Sandton Sun Hotel in Johannesburg, Motsepe revealed that the champions of the 2026 WAFCON in Morocco will receive $2m – double the $1m on offer at the last edition, and ten times the $200,000 paid when he took office.

“We have increased the prize money of the WAFCON by 900%. It’s unbelievable. Nine hundred per cent for the women,” Motsepe said.

“When I became president, the winner of the women’s competition got $200,000. Then we got it to $1 million. Now they get $2 million, so we’ve increased the prize money for the winner by 100%.”

Huge rise in total prize pot

Motsepe said the overhaul of the winners’ cheque forms part of a far wider financial uplift for the women’s game administered by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

According to the CAF president, the total prize fund for WAFCON has risen from under $1m under the previous administration to almost $6m today.

“But we’ve also increased by 495%… the total money that was spent for women’s football on the continent was $975,000. Now it’s close to $6 million,” he said.

CAF believes the expanded prize structure will not only benefit the eventual champions but also provide greater financial support to all participating teams, helping federations to invest more in their women’s programmes, including preparation, travel, and player welfare.

Morocco to host expanded 2026 showpiece

The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations will be staged in Morocco from 26 July to 16 August.

The North African country, which also hosted the 2022 edition and the men’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaigns in recent cycles, is positioned by CAF as a key partner in its attempts to grow the women’s game.

The timing of the announcement, made a year out from the tournament, is intended to give national associations clarity as they plan their campaigns and budgets.

CAF is banking on improved financial incentives to raise competitive standards, attract more sponsors and broadcasters, and encourage domestic leagues across Africa to professionalise their women’s structures.

Motsepe links cash injection to long-term growth

Motsepe has repeatedly argued that increasing the commercial value of women’s football is essential if African teams are to compete consistently at the highest global level.

By sharply increasing the WAFCON prize fund, CAF’s leadership is signalling that women’s competitions will no longer be treated as a marginal part of its portfolio, but as a core product capable of generating audiences and revenue.

Officials hope the enhanced financial rewards will filter down to club level, prompting more African clubs to invest in women’s squads, coaching, medical support and youth development.

The latest reforms continue a trend since Motsepe became CAF president, during which the organisation has emphasised prize money growth across several competitions, including both men’s and women’s tournaments.

With the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations now carrying the largest prize pot in its history, CAF will be under pressure to ensure that the money translates into tangible improvements on and off the pitch – from better preparation for teams to stronger showings at future Women’s World Cups.