Africa’s Gaming Industry Reaches $1.8 Billion and Continues to Grow
Africa’s gaming industry has reached an impressive $1.8 billion, with the market growing steadily. According to data from Newzoo, Africa’s gaming sector grew by 12.4% in 2024 compared to the previous year. This growth has boosted the continent’s global ranking in the gaming industry.
Mobile Gaming Dominates the Market
Mobile gaming now accounts for 90% of Africa’s gaming market. Out of the 349 million games played in 2024, 304 million were mobile games. Additionally, mobile gaming has become the preferred choice for most gamers worldwide, with 87% of the global gaming population choosing mobile games.
Factors Driving the Growth
The recent growth in mobile penetration, internet access, and innovative payment solutions in Africa has been a key driver of this expansion. Moreover, the affordability and user-friendly nature of smartphones have made mobile gaming more popular than consoles.
Carry1st Fuels Africa’s Gaming Popularity
In 2024, Carry1st, a leading force in mobile gaming and digital content in Africa, organized the Carry1st Africa Cup, a Call of Duty: Mobile tournament. This event further fueled the popularity of gaming across the continent.
Top Countries Driving Africa’s Gaming Growth
Egypt emerged as the biggest contributor to Africa’s gaming industry in 2024, generating $369 million in gaming revenue. This accounted for one-fifth of the continent’s total gaming revenue. Egypt was followed by Nigeria and South Africa, generating $300 million and $278 million in gaming revenue, respectively.
Eritrea and Niger are emerging as rapidly growing markets in the gaming sector.
The Rise of Competitive Gaming in Africa
Egypt, with 20.2 million gamers, ranked first in Africa, followed by Nigeria with 14.7 million gamers. In recent years, competitive gaming has gained popularity across the continent, paving the way for increased participation in eSports in the future.
Nigerian Players Compete on the Global Stage
In 2024, six Nigerian players participated in the Call of Duty Mobile tournament in Ireland. These professional gamers earned over $10,000 in the tournament, showcasing the potential for African players to thrive in competitive gaming.
A Bright Future for eSports in Africa
As Africa’s gaming industry continues to grow, new sponsorships and opportunities in the eSports sector are expected to help the continent establish itself on the global stage.