In African football, referees play a crucial role in maintaining fairness and upholding the integrity of the game. While the spotlight often shines on players and coaches, referees also make significant financial gains and contribute to the sport’s growth across the continent. As of March 2025, several African referees have become known not just for their remarkable skills but also for their earnings, with some standing out among the highest paid referees in Africa.
Top 5 Highest Paid Referees in Africa
When discussing the highest paid referees in Africa, there are a few names that regularly emerge due to their extensive experience and consistent selection for major tournaments.
Referees such as Peter Waweru Kamaku, Victor Gomes, and Salima Mukansanga have become key figures in African football, earning significant fees for their services.
The pay for referees at major tournaments like the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is set by CAF, with each match bringing in substantial earnings.
Referees at AFCON 2024 were paid approximately $1,200 per match, reflecting the value placed on their expertise.
Peter Waweru Kamaku
Kenyan referee Peter Waweru Kamaku is recognized as one of the most successful referees in African football.
His consistent appearances in major tournaments such as AFCON demonstrate his skill and reliability on the field.
At AFCON 2024, all referees, including Kamaku, earned $1,200 per match, which is among the standard rates for top-tier competitions.
This places him among the African referees with the highest match fees, underlining his prominent role in the sport.
Victor Gomes: South Africa’s Leading Referee
Victor Gomes of South Africa is another standout among the highest paid referees in Africa. Known for his impressive career, Gomes has officiated in several AFCON tournaments, including the 2019 and 2021 editions, and even served as the referee for the 2021 AFCON final.
His continuous involvement in prestigious matches, alongside his appointment as the chairman of the South African Football Association (SAFA) Referees Committee in 2023, speaks to his influence in African refereeing.
As one of the top 5 highest paid referees in Africa, Gomes enjoys lucrative match fees and the respect of his peers.
Salima Mukansanga
Rwandan referee Salima Mukansanga is not just one of the most successful referees in African football, but also a trailblazer.
She made history in 2022 by becoming the first woman to referee at the AFCON. Mukansanga’s groundbreaking achievements continued as she became the first African female referee to officiate at a men’s FIFA World Cup match during the 2022 Qatar tournament.
Her prominence in African football has undoubtedly elevated her earnings, securing her place among the highest paid referees in Africa.
African Referees with the Highest Match Fees
While many African referees earn good pay, those officiating in international tournaments like AFCON, FIFA World Cup, or CAF Champions League typically receive the highest match fees.
For instance, at AFCON 2024, the standard payment of $1,200 per match was a significant boost to referees’ earnings.
With tournament assignments providing more opportunities for financial growth, these officials can earn substantial sums, especially when consistently selected for high-profile games.
Vincentia Amedome
Vincentia Amedome from Togo is another notable figure among African referees with the highest match fees.
Having served as a FIFA-listed referee since 2015, Amedome’s career reached new heights in 2022 when she became the first Togolese referee to officiate at the African Nations Championship (CHAN).
She has also been involved in major competitions such as the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.
With her expanding influence, Amedome is likely among the top African referees in terms of match fees, a key factor in her earnings.
Bakary Gassama
Bakary Gassama from Gambia has earned a place as one of the most successful referees in African football.
He has officiated in multiple AFCON tournaments and was selected for the prestigious 2012 FIFA Club World Cup.
His steady involvement in high-profile international matches has placed him among the highest paid referees in Africa, further solidifying his reputation in the football world.
Who is the Richest Referee in Africa?
While it’s difficult to pinpoint exactly who the richest referee in Africa is, figures like Victor Gomes, Peter Waweru Kamaku, and Bakary Gassama are often regarded as among the wealthiest due to their sustained success in officiating high-profile games.
The wealth of these referees also comes from their consistent participation in major tournaments, which offers them the chance to earn substantial match fees over the years.
Wrap-Up on Highest Paid Referees in Africa
African referees make significant contributions to the continent’s football scene, both in terms of the sport’s integrity and their financial earnings.
While the highest paid referees in Africa remain somewhat difficult to rank definitively, the consistent performers like Peter Waweru Kamaku, Victor Gomes, and Salima Mukansanga not only earn impressive match fees but also contribute to the evolution of African football.
Article updated 1 week ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
