The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced a major increase in prize money for the TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), underlining its continued commitment to investing in women’s football across the continent.

CAF confirmed that the winners of the tournament will now receive USD 2 million, representing a 100 percent increase from the previous edition. The overall prize fund has also risen significantly by 67 percent, from USD 3.475 million to USD 5.8 million.

The runners-up will now earn USD 750,000, a 50 percent increase, while the third-placed team will receive a 43 percent higher reward. In addition, all 16 participating national teams will receive USD 150,000 in participation funding, up from USD 125,000, marking a 20 percent increase.

CAF noted that the growth in prize money has been dramatic since the current leadership took office in 2021. The winner’s prize has risen by 900 percent, from USD 200,000 to USD 2 million, while the total prize fund has increased by 495 percent, from USD 975,000 to USD 5.8 million.

Speaking during CAF engagements, President Dr Patrice Motsepe also confirmed that he will step down when his current term expires in 2029. Having first been elected in March 2021 before securing a second term unopposed in March 2025, the South African businessman dismissed speculation about extending his stay at the helm of African football.

I have no desire to become FIFA President, and I will not seek a third term as CAF President when my current term ends in 2029,” Motsepe said.

The CAF President also reflected on Africa’s performance at the recent FIFA World Cup, where the continent was represented by 10 nations. He praised the teams for their displays, saying African football continues to close the gap on the world’s traditional powerhouses.

“We are proud of the performance. We are more convinced than ever before that we can do much better in the next World Cups,” he said.

Motsepe reiterated CAF’s long-term ambition of seeing an African nation win the FIFA World Cup, insisting the continent has the quality to achieve the historic milestone.

“We came close. African teams are as good as the best in the world,” he stated, adding that greater investment in youth development, stronger unity among member associations, and closer collaboration with governments will be key to realizing that dream.

Looking ahead, Motsepe revealed that the Africa Cup of Nations will expand from 24 to 28 teams, beginning with the 2027 edition, describing the move as part of CAF’s strategy to give more nations an opportunity to compete at the highest level.

He also addressed the ongoing dispute surrounding the 2025 AFCON final between Morocco and Senegal, confirming that CAF is awaiting the ruling of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

“Regarding the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title, we are awaiting the final decision from the Court of Arbitration for Sport concerning the dispute from the AFCON final between Morocco and Senegal,” he said.