Africa’s gaming industry is expected to surpass $1 billion in revenue this year. The sector’s rapid growth, spurred by a young population, improved internet access, and increased smartphone use, has drawn the attention of major tech firms.
The video game market in Africa has seen significant progress, growing from $862 million in 2022 to a projected $1 billion in 2024, an 8.7% increase.
A veteran online gamer from the 1990s recalls a time when African players were often disregarded. He struggled to register his home country of Ghana in many games, facing challenges as early as the first decade of his gaming experience.
“The early years of gaming in Africa were difficult,” he said. “However, with the rise of online systems and Africa’s growing involvement in gaming, it’s encouraging to see more games now including African regions.”
A report on Africa’s gaming industry indicates that the number of gamers in sub-Saharan Africa increased from 77 million in 2015 to 186 million in 2021, with 95% using mobile phones as their primary gaming device.
According to Geopoll, gaming is predominantly viewed as a key form of entertainment, relaxation, and a way to alleviate boredom. The survey found that 73% of gamers play for fun, while 64% use gaming to relieve stress.
A notable example in the industry is an action-adventure game set in a city where players face challenges inspired by real-life scenarios. The game allows players to explore iconic landmarks and hidden areas, incorporating local folklore and urban legends. It also features scenes of police and protester confrontations, reflecting common issues in various African countries.
The developer remarked that the game increasingly mirrored real-life situations, reinforcing that their approach was effective.
The gaming industry is attracting substantial investment from major firms like Microsoft, Disney, and Sony, which are contributing millions to advance game development and increase gaming engagement across Africa.
According to the chairman of the Pan African Gaming Group, Africa’s rich tradition of storytelling is drawing investor interest. He stated, “Africa has a deep heritage of stories and legends that remain largely untold outside the continent. This new focus is allowing creators to share these narratives and provide representation for Africans in games, which has been lacking historically.”
A game developer from Ghana noted that video games have the potential to preserve African cultural traditions. He remarked, “Video games offer a way to protect cultural heritage and can be globally distributed with ease, creating significant revenue opportunities for Africa if local content continues to be produced.”
Recent investments, game development camps, and conferences in various African countries are helping to mitigate financial barriers for developers. These events are fostering game development and education, making it easier for developers to create games and enhance their skills.