African gaming industry hits $1.8bn, mobile gaming leads growth

Africa's gaming industry is experiencing unprecedented growth, with revenue hitting $1.8 billion in 2024. Mobile gaming is at the forefront of this surge, accounting for 90 per cent of the total revenue. The sector is expanding at a rate six times faster than the global average, showcasing the immense potential that the African gaming market holds. CNBC Africa's Ericks Shyaka delved into the insights of this rapid growth with Guillaume Noé, Vice President of Growth at Platform. One key trend in the African gaming market is its rapid expansion, outpacing the global average growth. With a substantial revenue of $1.8 billion in 2024, the industry is evolving rapidly, presenting lucrative opportunities for investors and developers alike. This growth is primarily being driven by the mobile gaming segment, which garners the majority of its revenue from mobile devices as opposed to PC and consoles. This shift is fueled by increased internet penetration and smartphone adoption across the continent, coupled with innovative payment methods that support the growth of the industry. Furthermore, there are notable initiatives in esports development, further enriching the gaming landscape in Africa. Guillaume Noé highlighted that Africa is gradually moving from an emerging market to a developed one, although still in transition. Despite this transition phase, the African gaming market is demonstrating remarkable growth, expanding by 12 per cent annually compared to the global market's 2 per cent growth rate. This growth trajectory presents an exciting prospect for foreign publishers and local developers to capitalize on the burgeoning market. While African developers face similar challenges as their global counterparts, such as intense competition and connectivity issues, advancements in artificial intelligence tools are offering cost-effective solutions for game development. This presents a promising opportunity for African developers to create content more efficiently. Indigenous game developers on the continent are making significant strides by infusing African culture into their games. One such example is 'Mancala Adventure,' a mobile game inspired by the traditional African board game, Mancala. This game has transcended borders, resonating with global audiences and showcasing the rich heritage of African gaming. The esports scene in Africa is gaining momentum, with the emergence of gaming federations and professional players paving the way for regional and global competitions. Notably, events like the Cary First Africa Cup are propelling African gamers onto the international esports stage, fostering a spirit of competitiveness and camaraderie within the gaming community. Investment opportunities in the African gaming industry are abundant, attracting interest from foreign companies looking to expand their presence in the region. Foreign publishers like Activision and Tencent are actively engaging with African players, driving investments in marketing and payment infrastructure to enhance the gaming experience. Additionally, there is a growing focus on funding studios and African developers, with a particular emphasis on the e-commerce and fintech sectors to simplify gaming consumption in the region. Looking ahead, the future of the gaming industry in Africa holds immense promise. With a youthful demographic and a burgeoning community of gamers, the continent is poised to produce globally successful gaming franchises. The appetite for gaming is palpable, and with the right investments and support, Africa is on the cusp of birthing its own gaming giant in the coming decade.