The African gaming sector has experienced remarkable growth, reaching a revenue of $1.8 billion in 2024, according to data from Carry1st and Newzoo. The industry saw a 12.4% growth from 2023 to 2024, surpassing the global average by six times with a 2.1% year-over-year growth rate.
Mobile gaming has emerged as the dominant force in Africa, capturing 90% of the market share, equivalent to $1.6 billion in revenue in 2024. Out of a total of 349 million gamers, 304 million were mobile gamers, showing an increase of 32 million players from the previous year. Mobile games also accounted for 87% of the overall player base, marking a 10% increase in year-over-year participation.
The rapid expansion of mobile penetration, Internet access, and innovative payment solutions in Africa has significantly contributed to the growth of the gaming industry. With smartphones becoming more affordable and user-friendly, mobile gaming has become a popular and cost-effective alternative to high-end consoles and computers.
In 2024, Carry1st hosted the Carry1st Africa Cup, a Call of Duty: Mobile tournament, further fueling the continent’s gaming sector. Egypt emerged as the top contributor to the continent’s gaming landscape, with a gaming industry valued at over $368 million, accounting for 20.4% of Africa’s total gaming revenue. Nigeria and South Africa closely followed, generating $300 million and $278 million in gaming revenue, respectively.
Eritrea and Niger saw the highest increase in gaming revenue, signaling significant growth in the industry, while Equatorial Guinea and Seychelles experienced slower growth compared to other countries in the region. Nigeria spent over $229 million on gaming in Africa in 2023, with Egypt following closely at $212 million.
Africa holds vast untapped potential in gaming and eSports, driven by its rapidly growing population, especially among the youth who are increasingly engaged in competitive gaming. Gaming content creation has become a dominant force within the African gaming scene, with pro gamers combining their gaming skills with content creation, earning lucrative rewards in tournaments.
Games like CODM have gained immense popularity in Africa, offering more than just entertainment. With a strong tradition of celebrating sports icons, Africa provides an ideal environment for eSports players to rise to prominence quickly and secure lucrative sponsorship deals.
