Morocco’s women’s football surge reshapes the African game

Morocco’s women’s football has experienced remarkable growth in recent years, emerging as one of the continent’s most structured and well-financed systems. This transformation traces back to a sweeping reform launched in 2020 by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, aiming to professionalize the women’s game through contracts, funding, and youth development programs.

Five years on, the results are evident. The national league is unified, salaries are standardized, and women players enjoy professional contracts. The Moroccan national team has become a continental powerhouse, reaching the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup Round of 16, earning two Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) finals appearances, and celebrating victory at the inaugural Women’s Futsal Africa Cup of Nations in 2025.

A model for African women’s football

Khadija Illa, president of the National Women’s Football League and head of the North African Football Union’s women’s commission, described Morocco’s women’s championship as “a true model” for football development across all levels. Under her direction, the league has professionalized its structure, ensured regular competition, and introduced licensing for clubs.

Morocco now stands apart in Africa, where many federations struggle with limited budgets and inconsistent competition. Nigeria’s women’s league lacks full professional contracts, South Africa’s remains largely semi-professional, and Ghana, Cameroon, Tunisia, and Egypt face funding or structural challenges. A 2024 Confederation of African Football (CAF) review revealed that fewer than half of African federations directly fund players or transport, both areas Morocco fully covers.

From reform plan to professional success

The 2020 “objectives contract” signed by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, the National Women’s League, and regional bodies marked a historic turning point. It introduced systematic salaries, transport for clubs, and development programs for coaches and youth players. Financial allocations were raised to 210 million centimes for clubs and 10 million for regional leagues, with ambitious goals to train 1,000 coaches and reach 90,000 registered players by 2024.

The effects soon followed: ASFAR won the CAF Women’s Champions League, with Sportif Casa finishing as runner-up and later securing third place. Salaries increased from MAD 3,500–5,000 to MAD 5,000 per month, while technical staff also benefited from improved compensation and working conditions.

Khadija Illa emphasized that these achievements reflect how Morocco’s sports institutions have matured, producing consistent results across local and international competitions.

Financial stability and structural reform

Raja Women’s Club coach Mehdi Azwar underlined that stable funding has been decisive. “Before, salaries were often delayed, but under Lekjaa’s leadership, payments now arrive on time, allowing players to focus solely on their work,” he explained.

The league has also undergone internal restructuring, reducing its top division to 12 teams and merging the second division into a national group. It further introduced an amateur tier and initiated national competitions for futsal, under-16, and under-19 categories, ensuring that professional and developmental paths align.

Youth development and ongoing challenges

Morocco’s early reforms are now attracting both local and international talent. “Foreign players are coming to Morocco, and Moroccan players are moving to play in Europe and the Gulf,” said Fayçal el Karkouri, coach in the women’s league. Yet challenges persist, particularly in youth development. El Karkouri highlighted the need to integrate girls into the prestigious Mohammed VI Football Academy, joining it with the Maamoura training center for better coordination and growth opportunities.

He noted that limited grassroots competitions and the late start to organized girls’ football (from under-16 compared to boys starting at under-11) hinder progress. The shortage of female referees and the absence of VAR technology also remain obstacles to higher standards.

Nonetheless, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation’s steady investment continues to set new benchmarks, offering a replicable model for other African federations. The country’s dedication to equality and professionalism in sport signals a new era for women’s football in Africa, one in which Morocco leads by example.