a booming market

Growth driven by smartphones

According to the Mordor Intelligence report titled « Africa Gaming Market (2024-2029) »gaming in Africa is experiencing impressive growth. In 2023, the market was estimated at 2.14 billion USD and could reach 3.72 billion USD by 2029. This, with an annual growth rate of 11.62%. This progression is mainly based on the democratization of smartphones and improvements in internet connections on the continent.

The document highlights that 92% of African gamers prefer to use their smartphones to play, a figure which reflects the importance of mobile games. This choice is supported by better accessibility of affordable phones and by technological innovations, such as the dedicated server of Call of Duty: Mobile launched in Nigeria in 2023.

Digital infrastructures also reinforce this dynamism. In South Africa, the SA Connect project helped increase the internet penetration rate to 79% in 2022. These advances facilitate access to gaming platforms and broaden the audience, particularly in rural areas.

Despite this progress, some obstacles remain, including the high cost of mobile data and unevenly developed infrastructure. These challenges hamper universal access, but do not hinder general optimism about the evolution of this market.

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Favorable economic dynamics for gaming in Africa

According to the report, African youth represent a major lever for gaming in Africa. With an average age of less than 20 years, the continent's population constitutes an ideal base for video game consumption. Mordor Intelligence emphasizes the importance of this demographic, which fuels demand for mobile and immersive experiences.

African governments also play a role in this dynamic. In Kenya, for example, KES 5.1 billion has been allocated for ICT to improve internet connections and expand their reach. These investments strengthen the infrastructure necessary for the development of gaming, according to the report.

Local startups are taking full advantage of this. Mordor Intelligence cites the example of Carry1st, a South African company having raised 27 million USD to create games adapted to African realities. This rise in power of local players underlines the growing attractiveness of the market.

Finally, the report highlights international partnerships, such as that between Sony and African startups. These collaborations strengthen the local ecosystem while promoting innovation and the adoption of new technologies.

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Opportunities and challenges of a changing market

Mordor Intelligence identifies promising opportunities for gaming in Africa, notably thanks to the emergence of 5G. In South Africa, the Arena 5G platform, developed by MTN and Streamplay Studio, illustrates advances in cloud gaming. These innovations provide faster and more immersive gaming experiences.

The report also highlights the rise of local content. African developers create games inspired by unique cultural narratives, appealing to both regional and international audiences. This diversity, according to Mordor Intelligence, could strengthen Africa's competitiveness on the global stage.

However, significant challenges remain. The report cites problems such as piracy and insufficient regulation, which are hampering the growth of the market. Mordor Intelligence calls for increased collaboration between governments and businesses to overcome these obstacles and protect creators.

Despite these difficulties, the study concludes that the potential of the African market remains immense. With constant investments and technological advancements, Africa is well positioned to become a major player in the global gaming industry.

Moral of the story: in Africa, where there is a smartphone, there is always a gamer ready to conquer the virtual world.