AFRICA’S gaming industry is on track to surpass $1bn in revenue by the end of 2024, marking a significant milestone in its rapid growth. This surge is fuelled by the continent’s young population, improved internet connectivity, and the widespread adoption of smartphones, attracting major tech players like Microsoft, Sony, and Disney to invest heavily in the sector.
According to Newzoo, a leading games analytics company, Africa’s video game market has seen substantial growth, with revenues increasing from $862 million in 2022 to a projected $1bn in 2024, reflecting an 8.7 percent rise.
Longtime gamer Ebenezer Gasonoo, known in gaming circles as Nomak, recalls a time when African players were largely overlooked by game developers. ‘In the early days, it was tough—developers didn’t recognise African gamers. I even had trouble signing up for games because they didn’t list Ghana as an option,’ he said. ‘Now, it’s great to see Africa being included in the global gaming community,’ he told VOA.
A report on Africa’s gaming industry highlights a significant increase in the number of gamers in sub-Saharan Africa, growing from 77 million in 2015 to 186 million by 2021. Mobile phones dominate the gaming landscape, with 95 percent of gamers using them as their primary gaming platform. A survey by Geopoll reveals that for many, gaming is more than just entertainment—73 percent play for fun, and 64 percent find it a way to relieve stress.
Kenyan game developer Daniel Macharia has been at the forefront of this burgeoning industry since 2015. He created ‘Nairobbery,’ an action-adventure game set in Nairobi that mirrors real-life challenges and explores iconic landmarks through a narrative enriched with local folklore and urban legends. The game’s depiction of student protests and clashes with police reflects scenes familiar across many African countries, including Kenya. ‘The game started to mirror real life, validating my creative direction,’ Macharia explained.
The industry’s growth has also attracted significant investment from global tech giants. Companies like Microsoft, Disney, and Sony are pouring millions into African gaming, fuelling the development of new games and expanding game consumption across the continent. Jay Shapiro, chairman of the Pan African Gaming Group, emphasised Africa’s untapped potential, noting, ‘Africa has thousands of years of stories and legends that are just beginning to be shared with the world. This new interest is empowering African creators to tell their stories and see themselves represented in games, which has rarely happened before.’
Ghanaian game developer Eyram Tawia believes that video games offer a unique opportunity to preserve African culture. ‘Video games can help keep our traditions alive and share them globally. By producing local content, we’re not only preserving our culture but also generating significant revenue for Africa,’ Tawia told VOA.
Recent investments, gaming camps, and conferences across the continent are helping to overcome financial barriers and support the education and development of local game creators. These initiatives are making it easier for African developers to acquire new skills and create games that resonate with both local and global audiences.
About The Author
