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The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has continued its ongoing investment campaign into women’s football across the continent. The latest roll-out has seen 80 officials in African women’s football undergo training on topics including leadership and strategic planning.
One of the main aims of this training is to reduce skill gaps in leadership in African women’s football. The workshops held a focus on support mechanisms available and training on how to access it effectively.
A history of investment from CAF in recent years
The CAF and its member nations have had their fair share of turmoil and corruption in the last decade. In 2023, Zimbabwe manager Shadreck Mlauzi was charged with sexual assault on players in a harrowing example of systemic abuse.
More recently, CAF president Patrice Motsepe admitted in an interview with African media that the CAF was struggling with trust issues regarding its fans and members.
In an effort to positively effect its future and those of Africa’s women’s footballers, the CAF has focussed on training its leaders and officials in this new manner. So far more than 80 participants from four African unions, including the COSAFA, have undergone the training.
What does the CAF training focus on?
CAF head of women’s football, Meskerem Tadesse Goshime spoke to media about the importance of the long-term effects of the workshops.
“Our ambition with this programme is to build a strong and confident network of administrators and managers committed to the development of women’s football in Africa. Beyond capacity building, it provides a unique platform for sharing experiences, addressing common challenges and learning from each other,” Goshime stated.
“It is a key space for knowledge exchange, but also a strategic tool for CAF to better understand the realities of women’s football within its Member Associations and the different zones.”
ZAPOPAN, MEXICO – MARCH 31: A fan of Congo smiles at Estadio Guadalajara on March 31, 2026 in Zapopan, Mexico. (Photo by Agustin Cuevas/Getty Images)
Investment in women’s football is key
The ethos of sharing learning experiences is key if the CAF is to protect its players going forward. With investment in women’s football globally reaching record breaking levels, it’s important Africa do not get left behind.
Deloitte reported in April 2026 that global football revenue has reached £2.2 million per annum.
With that in mind, it’s a welcome sight to see the CAF investing in its leadership at all levels.
“This [training] allows us to design more relevant, targeted and high-impact programmes. This is in line with the needs of the field, to accelerate the growth of women’s football on the continent.” said Goshime.
As the programme enters its first year since conception, the CAF will expect to see increased momentum, safeguarding improvements and more targeted investment from its member associations.
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