CAF president Patrice Motsepe has announced a landmark financial boost for women’s football in Africa, confirming that the winner of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) will receive a record prize of $2 million.

The tournament  which is set to begin on July 26 in Morocco, will carry the highest winners’ purse in the competition’s history, Motsepe said, underlining the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) commitment to developing the women’s game across the continent.

The announcement arrives as the 16-team tournament prepares to kick off in Morocco, where continental powerhouses and emerging sides will compete for the title and a spot on the global stage.

The rise in prize money follows broader global trends toward greater financial recognition for women’s football, and comes as CAF seeks to professionalize competitions, improve player welfare and attract commercial partners. Football stakeholders have welcomed the move as a step that could help narrow the investment gap between men’s and women’s football on the continent.

For national associations across Africa, the increased reward could fund development programmes, improve domestic leagues and support player contracts, particularly in countries where women’s football remains under-resourced.

The 2026 WAFCON begins on July 26 in Morocco, with fans and pundits expecting a competitive tournament that could benefit from the extra visibility and financial backing. With the winners now guaranteed $2 million, attention will also turn to how CAF and member associations distribute resources to ensure long-term growth for women’s football across Africa.

By: Addy Kennedy Edem