The 1997 African U-17 Championship was a football competition organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

It also served as CAF's qualifier for the 1997 FIFA U-17 World Championship in Egypt, who automatically qualified as host.

As Egypt won this tournament, third placed-team Ghana qualified.

For winning their semi-final, Mali qualified for the 1997 FIFA U-17 World Championship For winning the third place match, Ghana qualified for the 1997 FIFA U-17 World Championship with Ethiopia missing out.

The 3 teams which qualified for 1997 FIFA U-17 World Championship.