The global video game industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors, with an estimated value of 300 billion USD by 2025. Africa, with its young and dynamic population, is poised to become a major player in this field. According to recent reports, the gaming industry in sub-Saharan Africa is expected to reach 1 billion USD in revenue by 2024. This growth presents immense opportunities for young Africans to get involved in the industry, not only as consumers but also as creators and entrepreneurs.
Opportunities for young African developers
One of the main drivers of this growth is the proliferation of smartphones across the continent. By 2030, the percentage of smartphone owners in sub-Saharan Africa is expected to reach 88 %, creating massive demand for mobile games. Currently, 92 % of African gamers play on mobile devices, with many spending more than three hours a day enjoying entertainment. This shift toward mobile gaming is a game-changer, opening the door for young African developers. They can create relevant content that resonates with both local and global audiences.
Moreover, mobile gaming is one of the most accessible entry points for young Africans. Developing for platforms like Android and iOS requires fewer resources than traditional console or PC games, making it an ideal starting point for aspiring game developers. This lower barrier to entry allows young people to participate in the growing gaming ecosystem without needing significant infrastructure.
Training African youth in tech skills
Despite the growing number of gamers in Africa, most games available are made overseas. This creates a significant gap that African developers can fill by creating games that incorporate local stories, folklore, and cultural heritage. Games with African narratives not only offer unique and rich experiences for players but also help preserve indigenous knowledge, languages, and stories for future generations. Such content can captivate a global audience while fostering pride in African traditions and cultures.
To succeed in the gaming industry, young Africans must acquire essential game development skills. This includes learning programming languages, art and design, storytelling, and scripting. Fortunately, many online platforms offer affordable or free courses that teach these skills. By equipping themselves with technical knowledge, young Africans will be better prepared to break into the global gaming market.
Game design and 3D modeling are in high demand, offering lucrative opportunities for those who develop expertise in these areas. With the right training, young Africans can transform their creativity into profitable ventures within the gaming industry.
Addressing funding challenges
While the opportunities are numerous, there are challenges to overcome. According to a survey of game developers in Africa, 63 % of local developers have less than five years of experience. Additionally, only 19 % of African gaming professionals have secured external funding for their projects, making financial viability a significant hurdle. This lack of access to capital and experienced mentorship hampers the growth of local developers.
To help overcome these challenges, initiatives like Microsoft’s Xbox Game Camp Africa are making a difference. Through hands-on workshops on game development, design, storytelling, and marketing, these camps aim to nurture local talent. The Africa Development Center (ADC), launched by Microsoft in Kenya and Nigeria, also plays a key role in attracting world-class African engineering talent. By offering mentorship and resources, these programs enable aspiring developers to overcome the obstacles they face.
« Video games provide young Africans with a tremendous opportunity to engage in creativity and innovation, while also developing essential skills for the future. The video game industry is growing rapidly, and African talent has the potential to establish itself in this global market by creating games that reflect our unique cultures and stories. At Microsoft, we believe in equipping young people with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive in this field, whether as developers, designers, or entrepreneurs », said Phylis Migwi, Microsoft Kenya Country Manager.
Tapping into parallel revenue streams
Beyond game development, the video game industry offers opportunities in areas such as game streaming, esports, and game marketing. Platforms like Twitch and YouTube Gaming have democratized game streaming, allowing African gamers to build communities and monetize their content through sponsorships, ads, and donations. This has opened up new revenue streams for young Africans, who can now turn their passion for gaming into profitable careers.
Similarly, esports is another booming area in Africa. African players are increasingly participating in global tournaments like the Xbox Game Camp, and local esports leagues are flourishing. These leagues not only provide entertainment but also create jobs in coaching, event management, and marketing.
The video game industry is more than just entertainment: it is a thriving business with immense potential for African youth. From game development to streaming and esports, young Africans have numerous opportunities to tap into this 300 billion USD industry.
