Africa’s gaming industry set to soar with the help of smartphones and young population

The African gaming industry is set to soar to new heights, driven by the increasing smartphone penetration and digital-savvy youth population across the continent. A recent survey conducted by Geopoll and the Pan Africa Gaming Group (PAGG) of over 2,500 game players from Nigeria, Egypt, Kenya, and South Africa revealed that mobile gaming is on the rise, with 92 percent of respondents playing games on their mobile devices.

The report also highlighted that the African gaming industry is projected to exceed $1 billion for the first time in 2024, with the mobile gaming sector leading the growth. This growth is fueled by the dominance of the Android platform and the high smartphone penetration in the region.

John Murunga, Regional Director of GeoPoll, emphasized the significant role of mobile gaming in Africa, driven by the youth’s digital savviness. He noted that gaming has the potential to become a powerful medium for cultural expression and community building on the continent.

Despite facing challenges such as the cost of data bundles and expensive gaming hardware, the African gaming industry is poised for growth and development. With a vibrant youth population and a burgeoning segment of local game developers, the industry is attracting investments and attention from international studios.

Michael Oscar Esio, co-founder of Africacomicade, highlighted the transformative wave underway in sub-Saharan Africa, driven by improved access to technology and the global market. Jay Shapiro, Chairperson of PAGG, stressed the importance of investments in the sector for its continued growth.

As the African gaming industry continues to evolve and expand, the future looks bright for both local game developers and international players looking to tap into this lucrative market.