Nigeria—The African gaming industry is experiencing explosive growth, with an annual growth rate of 12%, six times the global average. This momentum is largely due to the widespread use of smartphones, the rise of esports, and the rapid expansion of game content centered on local culture.
According to the latest report from African data company Stears, improvements in mobile internet access, urban development, and a large population of young, digitally literate people make Africa one of the most promising markets for the global gaming industry. Nigeria and South Africa dominate the African gaming revenue, generating a combined annual revenue of $578 million.
The report points out that African gamers show a strong preference for localized content. Developers are creating original games that integrate African folklore, languages, and everyday life, which stand in stark contrast to Western-dominated traditional game products and quickly attract the attention of local young users. Over 60% of the African population is under the age of 25, and they want games that tell "their own stories."
In terms of device choice, smartphones have completely replaced expensive gaming consoles and computers as the main gaming entry for African players. The affordability of mobile phones, their comprehensive functionality, and the gradual shift of game development towards mobile platforms make Africa's mobile gaming ecosystem particularly vibrant.
At the same time, esports is also steadily rising in Africa. Competitive gaming live streams and events attract a large audience and drive the development of related industries, even giving rise to gaming-related betting platforms, creating new employment and fiscal revenue sources for countries like Nigeria and South Africa.
Africa is no longer just a consumer of games but is gradually becoming a producer of content and a trendsetter. With the continuous push of smartphones and a young creative cohort, the global influence of the African gaming market is rapidly rising.
