Country Reports·Updated Apr 8, 2026 by SpielFabrique
Africa’s video game market reached $1.8 billion in 2024, with mobile gaming accounting for 90% of the market and a player base that grew 10% year-over-year to 349 million.
Market growth is concentrated in urban hubs across South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Egypt, Ethiopia, Niger, and Eritrea, where studios like Maliyo Games and Kayfc are prioritizing mobile-first IP.
Studio funding is heavily reliant on international grants and incubators, including Pro Helvetia, the Agence Française de Développement, and the British Council’s Ignite Culture.
PC and console gaming remain niche, with Steam capturing approximately 70% of PC distribution, while local platforms like Gara and Jiwe serve the remaining market share.
Esports viewership and prize pools are dominated by mobile titles such as PUBG Mobile and Free Fire, though talent development remains geographically limited to a few major urban centers.
Infrastructure deficiencies, specifically low internet penetration, unreliable electricity, and fragmented payment systems, remain the primary constraints on broader industry development.
Long-term commercial viability requires improved business training for indie studios, better market intelligence data, and the evolution of local payment systems to reduce transaction friction.
Africa’s video game market reached $1.8 billion in 2024, with mobile gaming accounting for 90% of the market and a player base that grew 10% year-over-year to 349 million.
Market growth is concentrated in urban hubs across South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Egypt, Ethiopia, Niger, and Eritrea, where studios like Maliyo Games and Kayfc are prioritizing mobile-first IP.
Studio funding is heavily reliant on international grants and incubators, including Pro Helvetia, the Agence Française de Développement, and the British Council’s Ignite Culture.
PC and console gaming remain niche, with Steam capturing approximately 70% of PC distribution, while local platforms like Gara and Jiwe serve the remaining market share.
Esports viewership and prize pools are dominated by mobile titles such as PUBG Mobile and Free Fire, though talent development remains geographically limited to a few major urban centers.
Infrastructure deficiencies, specifically low internet penetration, unreliable electricity, and fragmented payment systems, remain the primary constraints on broader industry development.
Long-term commercial viability requires improved business training for indie studios, better market intelligence data, and the evolution of local payment systems to reduce transaction friction.