Confederation of African Football (CAF) has appointed Media Experts Limited (MEL) as its preferred media rights representative for the commercialisation of free-to-air broadcast rights for the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Morocco 2026 across Sub-Saharan Africa.
The appointment gives the international sports and entertainment consultancy responsibility for marketing and distributing the tournament’s licensed free-to-air media rights across the region in line with CAF’s mandate.
The development marks a continuation of MEL’s relationship with CAF, having previously worked on media rights related to the men’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), while also expanding its portfolio of global sports and entertainment rights management.
Speaking on the appointment, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Media Experts Limited, Mr. Kunle Falodun, described the mandate as both an honour and an opportunity to further promote women’s football across Africa.
According to him, women’s football on the continent has entered a new phase characterised by record prize money, increasing attendance, wider broadcast reach and the emergence of a new generation of talented players.
“Women’s football in Africa has waited a long time for the recognition it deserves, and momentum is now firmly on its side with record prize money, record crowds and a new generation of stars the whole continent is proud of.
“To be entrusted with bringing CAF WAFCON Morocco 2026 to audiences across Sub-Saharan Africa is both an honour and a responsibility.
“At MEL, we see this as a platform to celebrate the progress the women’s game has made and the women who have been responsible. It is also an opportunity to bring our broadcast partners and sponsors along with us on this noble mission,” Falodun said.
Also commenting, CAF’s Head of TV Operations and Communications Director, Mr. Luxolo September, said free-to-air television remained central to the Confederation’s strategy of making African football accessible to millions of fans across the continent.
He said the partnership with MEL reflected CAF’s commitment to expanding the reach of women’s football while strengthening broadcaster engagement across Sub-Saharan Africa.
“We are delighted to appoint Media Experts Limited as the preferred partner for the commercialisation of the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026 free-to-air rights across Sub-Saharan Africa.
“This partnership reflects our shared commitment to expanding the reach of women’s football, strengthening broadcaster engagement and bringing the excitement of WAFCON 2026 to audiences in every corner of Africa,” September said.
CAF said it would retain exclusive ownership of all media and commercial rights relating to the championship, while MEL would facilitate the distribution of the free-to-air rights within its assigned territory.
The appointment comes as women’s football in Africa continues to record significant growth.
According to CAF, the last edition of WAFCON, hosted in Morocco, recorded a 45 per cent increase in prize money alongside improved participation grants for competing national associations.
CAF President, Dr. Patrice Motsepe, had linked the increase to the Confederation’s long-term commitment to making women’s football more competitive and financially sustainable.
The Confederation also disclosed that the tournament’s opening match in the previous edition was broadcast in more than 120 territories globally, while attendance figures and digital streaming audiences continued to rise.
Morocco, which will host the competition for a third consecutive time, has also invested in women’s football development through the establishment of a national women’s football academy and enhanced elite coaching programmes.
Industry estimates indicate that Africa has between 300 million and 500 million passionate football fans, while sports-related revenue in Sub-Saharan Africa could reach approximately $20 billion by 2035, driven by increasing mobile connectivity, digital infrastructure and a youthful population.
MEL said it would leverage the WAFCON rights to engage broadcasters, sponsors and commercial partners across Africa and internationally, creating new opportunities for investment in the women’s game.
The company, which has more than 25 years of experience in sports media, content distribution and broadcast rights management, has previously worked on major sporting properties, including the FIFA World Cup, AFCON, UEFA Champions League and the English Premier League.
Interested broadcasters, sponsors and content partners have been invited to engage with MEL ahead of further announcements on WAFCON Morocco 2026’s commercial programme.
