 has announced a significant increase in prize money for the 2024 TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup){kind=link}
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced a significant increase in prize money for the 2024 TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), taking place in Morocco.
CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe confirmed on Thursday that the winner of this year’s tournament will take home $1 million, doubling the $500,000 awarded to South Africa when they won the last edition in 2022.
In total, CAF has increased the tournament prize pool by 45 percent—from $2.4 million in 2022 to $3.475 million in 2024.
This is the most significant financial commitment in the history of the tournament and comes as part of CAF’s broader plan to professionalise and promote women’s football across the continent.
Dr. Motsepe described the move as a strategic investment in women’s football development across the continent.
“The quality and standard of women’s football in Africa is consistently improving and is world-class,” Motsepe said.
“The increase in prize money is part of CAF’s ongoing commitment to grow women’s football and ensure better welfare for players, coaches, and all stakeholders.”
Motsepe also noted the rising number of fans, viewership, and commercial sponsors as a testament to the tournament’s growing appeal.
Breakdown of Prize Money for WAFCON Morocco 2024:
🏆 Winner: $1,000,000 🥈 Runner-up: $500,000 🥉 Third Place: $350,000 Fourth Place: $300,000 Quarter-finalists (4 teams): $200,000 each Third in Group Stage: $150,000 Fourth in Group Stage (3 teams): $125,000 each
Total Prize Pool: $3,475,000
CAF stated that the prize money adjustment is aimed at encouraging greater investment in women’s football at the national level, including better salaries for players, improved technical staffing, and enhanced support systems for teams.
⚽ A Statement of Intent for African Women’s Football
This increase comes at a time when the women’s game in Africa is gaining unprecedented momentum. Several African teams made historic strides at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, with Nigeria, Morocco, and South Africa progressing to the knockout stages—a first in the tournament’s history.
CAF hopes the financial boost will not only reward elite performance but also bridge the funding gap between men’s and women’s football across its member nations.
“We want our girls to aspire to play football at the highest level knowing they will be respected and rewarded,” Motsepe added. “The future of African football is bright, and women must be at the center of that future.”
🔍 Global Comparisons and Context
While the increase is a major step forward for CAF, women’s football stakeholders continue to call for parity with male counterparts. For comparison, the 2023 AFCON (men’s) winner took home $7 million. However, CAF’s latest move aligns with FIFA’s ongoing push for improved remuneration and infrastructure in the women’s game worldwide.
The announcement has already drawn praise from several quarters, including players, coaches, fans, and rights advocates, who hailed it as a sign that African women’s football is finally receiving the recognition it deserves.
🇳🇬 Nigeria’s Super Falcons Target a Record 10th Title
As nine-time champions, Nigeria’s Super Falcons are among the frontrunners in Morocco. Led by coach Justine Madugu and captain Rasheedat Ajibade, the team opened their campaign amid strong expectations and a desire to reclaim their crown from defending champions South Africa.
With the new prize structure, motivation is at an all-time high.
The tournament starts on Saturday 5th July to Saturday 26th July 26, with matches taking place in Casablanca, Rabat, and Marrakech. The top four teams will also earn automatic qualification for the 2025 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers, adding further incentive to go the distance.
The expanded financial incentives are expected to enhance competition, inspire higher performance levels, and provide additional motivation for participating nations.
CAF’s decision has been widely praised by players, federations, and analysts, who see it as a landmark moment in the push for equity and recognition in African women’s football.