Africa’s gaming market has experienced explosive growth, reaching $1.8 billion in 2024 and expanding six times faster than the global average, according to Carry1st and Newzoo. The number of gamers surged to nearly 350 million, driven by large youth populations, increasing smartphone use, and better internet access. Mobile gaming now dominates nearly 90% of the market, leapfrogging traditional console platforms. This trend is amplified by the rapid adoption of affordable smartphones, particularly from brands like Transsion’s Tecno, making gaming accessible to a broader audience.
This surge in players and spending highlights a key dynamic—Africa is one of the few regions still experiencing secular growth in the gaming industry. Unlike other parts of the world, where markets are maturing, Africa’s gaming market continues to expand rapidly. The biggest revenue drivers in 2024 came from Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Nigeria, and South Africa, while the fastest growth in revenue was recorded in Eritrea and Niger, driven by increasing interest in digital services.
However, Africa’s gaming landscape faces significant challenges. Poor telecom infrastructure still stifles the full potential of data-heavy and multiplayer games, especially in rural areas. While internet access has improved, inconsistent connectivity continues to limit the online gaming experience in many regions.
In addition, Africa’s gaming community remains highly cost-conscious, with less than a third of players spending over $5 a month on games, presenting an opportunity for developers to cater to this price-sensitive audience. The cultural gap in many games, created for non-African audiences, offers local developers the chance to craft content that resonates more deeply with African players. While developers like Maliyo Games and Qene Games are already addressing this gap, there remains ample opportunity to create more culturally relevant games, helping to further expand the market.
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