In a groundbreaking development for African football, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced a significant increase in prize money for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN). Set to be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, this year’s tournament not only marks a logistical milestone but also comes with a financial uplift that underscores CAF’s commitment to the growth of home-based African talent.
Prize Money Soars to New Heights
For the first time in CHAN history, the tournament winners will walk away with an impressive $3.5 million, a 75% increase from the previous edition. Runners-up will receive $1.2 million, while the third- and fourth-place teams will take home $700,000 and $600,000, respectively.
Quarter-finalists who fall short will still benefit financially, each earning $450,000, and group stage participants will receive payouts based on their performance—$300,000 for third-place finishers and $200,000 for fourth-place teams.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe emphasized that the total prize pool has now reached $10.4 million, a 32% overall increase. “The CHAN is vital for nurturing domestic talent,” Motsepe said. “This is part of our broader strategy to raise the standard and visibility of African football, not just on the continent but globally.”
Strategic Investment in African Talent
Unlike the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), CHAN is reserved exclusively for players competing in their home countries’ domestic leagues. This makes the tournament a vital platform for local talent to shine on an international stage.
Motsepe reiterated that boosting CHAN’s financial rewards is designed to make the competition more appealing to fans, sponsors, and broadcasters. “Our investment is aimed at building a strong foundation for African football,” he added. “This increase in prize money reflects our confidence in the future of the sport on the continent.”
A Historic Co-Hosting Debut
The 2024 edition will be historic for another reason—it’s the first time CHAN is being co-hosted by three nations. Matches will be played across Nairobi, Kampala, Dar es Salaam, and Zanzibar from August 2 to 30.
This logistical milestone highlights CAF’s willingness to innovate and expand the reach of its competitions, bringing top-tier African football to a wider audience in East Africa.
Newcomers and Defending Champions Set the Stage
Among the 2024 storylines is the debut of the Central African Republic, who will feature in Group B alongside Tanzania, Madagascar, Mauritania, and Burkina Faso.
Senegal, the reigning CHAN champions after edging out Algeria on penalties in the last edition, face a challenging task in defending their title. They’ve been drawn into Group D with Congo, Sudan, and Nigeria—a group loaded with pedigree and promise.
Conclusion: CHAN’s Rising Global Profile
With a revamped prize structure, a new trophy, and a broader hosting approach, CHAN 2024 signals a new era for African football. CAF’s strategic investments aim to elevate the tournament’s prestige, enhance player development, and make African football more competitive on the world stage.
