The African gaming industry will cross $1 billion in revenue this year, according to industry projections. Rapid expansion, driven by a young population, improved internet access, and surging smartphone adoption, has drawn significant tech firms’ investment from Microsoft, Sony, and Disney.
Market Expansion Fuels Record Gaming Revenue Growth
The video game market in Africa demonstrates strong momentum, climbing from $862 million in 2022 to a projected $1 billion in 2024, an 8.7% increase, according to Newzoo games analytics. This gaming revenue growth reflects the continent’s accelerating digital transformation and increasing consumer spending power.
Veteran gamer Ebenezer Gasonoo, known as “Nomak” in gaming circles, started playing online in the 1990s. He recalls when game developers ignored African players entirely. During registration, when he selected Ghana as his home country, the system rejected his application and told him to find another game.
“The first 10 years of active video gaming in Africa were bad,” Gasonoo states. “With the boom of online systems and Africa entering video games, you now see titles designed for the world that actually include Africa. That’s very encouraging.”
An African game industry report confirms that the number of gamers in sub-Saharan Africa grew from 77 million in 2015 to 186 million in 2021. Mobile gaming in Africa commands this market, as 95% of players use smartphones as their primary gaming device.
Survey data from Geopoll reveals why Africans play: 73% games for fun, and 64% use them for stress relief. Players view gaming as a primary source of entertainment, relaxation, and a remedy for boredom.
African Game Developers Lead Cultural Storytelling
African game developers are creating content that reflects local realities. Kenya’s Daniel Macharia started creating video games in 2015 and developed Nairobbery, an action-adventure title where players navigate city challenges inspired by real-life scenarios. The game features iconic landmarks, hidden locations, and narratives weaving local folklore with urban tales.
Macharia explains that the game mirrors actual events: “Running battles between police and protesters appear in the game as a common scene in many African countries, including Kenya. The two main characters are college students who face off against the police in some levels. This parallel serendipity validated that I chose the right approach.”
Tech Firms’ Investment Accelerates Industry Scaling
Major corporations have poured millions into the sector. Microsoft, Disney, and Sony commit tech firms’ investment to develop more games and scale consumption across the continent. Jay Shapiro, chairman of the Pan African Gaming Group, says Africa attracts tech firms’ investment through its untapped storytelling potential.
“Africa possesses thousands of years of stories and legends the world has rarely heard,” Shapiro notes. “This interest gives voice to creators across the continent. Games where Africans see themselves reflected, something that historically never happened, hold real power.”
Ghanaian developer Eyram Tawia emphasises that African game developers preserve culture through their work.
“Video games offer a medium to preserve culture long-term,” Tawia explains. “Developers can package and distribute local content globally with one click across app stores. This generates substantial revenue for the African continent.”
Infrastructure Development Removes Financial Barriers
Recent investments, game camps, and conferences across African countries reduce financial challenges for developers. These events support African game developers by providing education, resources, and networking opportunities that make game creation and skill acquisition more accessible. As gaming revenue growth continues and mobile gaming in Africa reaches deeper into untapped markets, the African gaming industry cements its position as a significant force in the global digital economy.
