Africa’s gaming industry is growing six times faster than the global average, according to new research by Stears.
In 2024, the continent’s gaming sector expanded by 12 percent year-on-year, outpacing the global growth rate of just 2 percent, signalling a wave of opportunity driven by youthful, mobile-first users and an increasingly connected urban landscape.
“Smartphone-native users, improved urban connectivity, and culturally relevant gaming content are accelerating user engagement across the region. These shifts are not only increasing player numbers but also expanding the types of games gaining popularity from hyper-casual mobile titles to homegrown, story-rich games steeped in African folklore and everyday life,” according to the report.
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Nigeria and South Africa are leading the charge, jointly generating $578 million in gaming revenues. Both countries are seeing traction with cloud gaming pilots, mobile gaming subscriptions, and improvements in cross-border payment systems, which are factors that are making it easier for developers to earn and for users to pay.
However, challenges remain. Africa’s average revenue per user (ARPU) remains among the lowest globally, internet and power infrastructure are inconsistent across markets, and regulatory frameworks for gaming and digital entertainment are still in flux.
The continent’s e-sports ecosystem is also on an upward trajectory as Stears forecasts over 50 million active e-sports users by 2029, driven by increased tournament activity, influencer-led communities, and better streaming infrastructure.
If current growth trends continue, Africa’s overall gaming market could balloon to $5.7 billion by 2033, Stears forecasts.
