Country Reports·Updated Mar 17, 2026 by Maliyo Games
The African games industry is projected to exceed $1 billion in revenue in 2024, driven by a mobile-first market that generates nearly 90% of total sector earnings.
Nigeria has shown the most significant momentum in the region, with mobile revenues increasing fivefold since 2019, while South Africa remains the most lucrative individual market.
The developer ecosystem has grown to approximately 250 studios by 2024, with West Africa emerging as the primary hub after a fivefold increase in active studios over the past year.
Despite industry growth, over 50% of African developers currently earn no income from their work, and only 3% receive government funding.
The Middle East and Africa region is a global growth leader, maintaining an 8.9% year-on-year revenue increase despite the historical dominance of North American and Asian markets.
Structural challenges, specifically unstable power and limited high-speed internet access, remain critical barriers to scaling the industry from prototyping to commercial production.
International integration is increasing through partnerships with companies like Microsoft Xbox, Disney, and Gameloft, alongside the regional popularity of global titles such as Candy Crush and PUBG Mobile.
The African games industry is projected to exceed $1 billion in revenue in 2024, driven by a mobile-first market that generates nearly 90% of total sector earnings.
Nigeria has shown the most significant momentum in the region, with mobile revenues increasing fivefold since 2019, while South Africa remains the most lucrative individual market.
The developer ecosystem has grown to approximately 250 studios by 2024, with West Africa emerging as the primary hub after a fivefold increase in active studios over the past year.
Despite industry growth, over 50% of African developers currently earn no income from their work, and only 3% receive government funding.
The Middle East and Africa region is a global growth leader, maintaining an 8.9% year-on-year revenue increase despite the historical dominance of North American and Asian markets.
Structural challenges, specifically unstable power and limited high-speed internet access, remain critical barriers to scaling the industry from prototyping to commercial production.
International integration is increasing through partnerships with companies like Microsoft Xbox, Disney, and Gameloft, alongside the regional popularity of global titles such as Candy Crush and PUBG Mobile.