The (CAF) has officially announced a significant increase in prize money for the 2025 (AFCON), reinforcing its commitment to enhancing the value and global standing of African football.
The announcement was made on Saturday in Rabat, Morocco, by CAF President , during a media interaction held on the eve of the tournament’s opening match. According to Motsepe, the winners of AFCON 2025 will receive a prize of $10 million, marking a notable increase from previous editions.
“This increase reflects our vision to make African football more competitive, more attractive, and more rewarding for our member associations and players,” Motsepe said while addressing journalists.
At the last Africa Cup of Nations, held in Côte d’Ivoire, the eventual champions, , popularly known as the Elephants, received $7 million in prize money after lifting the trophy. The runners-up, , went home with $4 million following their appearance in the final.
The revised prize structure for AFCON 2025 represents a substantial financial boost and signals CAF’s intention to align its flagship tournament more closely with global standards. While full details of prize allocations for runners-up, semi-finalists, and quarter-finalists are expected to be communicated in due course, the headline figure has already generated excitement across the continent.
AFCON is widely regarded as Africa’s most prestigious football competition, serving as a platform for showcasing the continent’s finest talents and national teams. Over the years, the tournament has grown in stature, attracting global audiences, major sponsors, and increased media attention. CAF believes the improved prize money will further elevate the competition’s appeal and encourage higher levels of professionalism among participating teams.
Motsepe noted that the financial enhancement is part of a broader strategy to reinvest in African football development. He emphasised that increased revenues from sponsorships, broadcasting rights, and partnerships have made it possible for CAF to reward excellence more generously.
“The Africa Cup of Nations belongs to Africans,” Motsepe added. “Our responsibility is to continuously grow its value and ensure that success on the pitch translates into meaningful financial support for football development back home.”
The AFCON 2025 finals officially get underway today in Morocco, with hosts taking on in the opening match of the tournament. The curtain-raiser will be staged in Rabat and is expected to draw significant local and international attention.
Morocco, who reached the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, enter the tournament as one of the favourites, buoyed by home support and recent success on the global stage. Comoros, on the other hand, will be aiming to make a strong impression and upset expectations in the opening fixture.
The decision to increase prize money has been welcomed by football administrators, players, and fans alike, many of whom see it as a positive step towards strengthening African football’s financial ecosystem. National football associations often rely heavily on tournament earnings to fund grassroots programmes, infrastructure projects, and domestic competitions, making such increases particularly impactful.
Analysts also believe the enhanced rewards could intensify competition at AFCON 2025, as teams recognise that success now carries even greater financial and symbolic significance. Beyond the trophy, the new prize structure offers tangible incentives that could transform football development pathways in several countries.
CAF’s announcement comes amid broader reforms within African football, including improvements in governance, marketing, and competition structures. In recent years, the organisation has prioritised transparency and commercial growth, aiming to ensure that African competitions generate value comparable to their global counterparts.
With AFCON 2025 now underway, attention will shift to performances on the pitch, but the increased prize money has already set a new benchmark for the tournament. As teams battle for continental glory, the prospect of a $10 million reward adds another layer of motivation to what promises to be a fiercely contested competition.
As African football continues to evolve, CAF’s latest decision underscores its ambition to position AFCON not just as a celebrated sporting event, but as a powerful engine for football development and economic growth across the continent.
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