Another year and Maliyo Games gives back to the continent with this games report
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The African gaming industry has taken another bold step forward with the release of the 2025 Africa Games Industry Report by Maliyo Games. This in-depth study provides a comprehensive look at Africa’s fast-growing gaming ecosystem, detailing the latest industry trends, revenue statistics, key challenges, and emerging opportunities.
As the gaming sector continues to gain momentum across the continent, this report serves as a crucial resource for developers, investors, policymakers, and gaming enthusiasts looking to understand where Africa stands and where it is headed. We highlight some of the things covered in the report
Africa’s Gaming Boom: A $1 Billion Industry in the Making
The report highlights that Africa’s gaming industry is projected to exceed $1 billion in revenue by the end of 2024, a monumental milestone in the continent’s gaming evolution. The majority of this revenue comes from mobile gaming, which accounts for 90% of Africa’s gaming market, thanks to increased smartphone adoption, lower data costs, and a young, tech-savvy population.
The continent’s top-performing gaming markets include:
Egypt – A dominant force in the MENA region, with gaming revenues projected to hit $2.65 billion by 2027.
South Africa – The most mature gaming market in Africa, with revenue peaking at $115.8 million in 2022.
Nigeria – The fastest-growing market, surging from $11M in 2019 to $60.9M in 2024.
Key Takeaways from the 2025 Report
1. Mobile Gaming Dominates the Market
Africa’s mobile gaming sector has seen exponential growth, driven by affordable smartphones and data packages. The top-grossing games in Africa reflect a mix of global hits and local successes, with revenue leaders including:
- Candy Crush ($50M)
- PUBG Mobile ($40M)
- Roblox ($25M)
- Free Fire and Royal Match ($15M each)
The success of mobile gaming has made Africa an attractive market for international publishers and investors looking to tap into its vast player base.
2. The Rise of African Game Studios
The number of game development studios in Africa has increased dramatically, with more studios emerging across various regions:
- West Africa now has 57 studios (up from 12 in 2023).
- Southern Africa saw growth from 5 to 35 studios.
- East Africa and Central Africa have also seen increases, signaling a broader industry expansion.
This rapid growth in studios reflects the increasing interest in African-themed games, cultural storytelling, and original intellectual property.
3. International Recognition & Partnerships
Several African studios are now making global waves, breaking new ground in partnerships and platform releases:
- Kiro’o Games (Cameroon) – The first Black African game studio to release a title on Xbox with Aurion: Legacy of the Kori-Odan.
- Maliyo Games (Nigeria) – Partnered with Disney & Kugali Media to develop Disney Iwájú: Rising Chef, a futuristic Lagos-themed cooking game.
- Dimension 11 Studios (Nigeria) – Secured a Microsoft ID@Xbox partnership for Legends of Orisha: Blood and Water.
- Kunta Content (Kenya) – Became the first African studio on the Minecraft Marketplace with Bankush: An African Experience.
These achievements mark a turning point for African gaming, proving that local developers can compete on the global stage.
4. Esports is Gaining Traction
Esports is becoming a major entertainment and revenue driver in Africa, with tournaments and gaming festivals growing in popularity:
- Comic Con Africa & the African Esports Championship continue to attract top talent and fans.
- Local leagues and competitive mobile gaming are on the rise, particularly in South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya.
Esports represents one of the biggest opportunities for African gaming, with brands, sponsors, and investors beginning to recognize its potential for massive engagement.
5. Government Support is Still Lagging
Despite Africa’s gaming boom, government support remains minimal. The report reveals that:
- Only 3% of African game developers have received government funding.
- Many studios struggle with funding, infrastructure, and business support.
However, some positive steps have been taken:
- Morocco has partnered with Xbox Game Camp to train and fund local developers.
- Nigeria’s Lagos State aims to capture 30% of Africa’s gaming market with targeted investments.
- South Africa is leveraging gaming for social impact, launching initiatives like The StepWell Saga – Stronger Together, a mental health awareness game.
While these efforts are encouraging, more structured policies and funding programs are needed to help African studios scale their businesses.
6. Infrastructure Challenges Hold Developers Back
African game developers face significant infrastructure challenges, including:
- Unstable power supply (13% of respondents cited it as a major issue).
- Expensive and slow internet, making online gaming and development difficult.
- Limited payment options, restricting monetization opportunities.
Many developers struggle to earn income from their games, with only 46% of respondents making money from game development.
The Future of Africa’s Gaming Industry
The 2025 Africa Games Industry Report highlights both the incredible progress and the persistent challenges in the sector. The rapid growth of mobile gaming, rising esports participation, and global partnerships signal a promising future, but funding, infrastructure, and policy support remain barriers to large-scale success.
For the gaming community, this report is a roadmap a way to understand where the industry is going and how developers, investors, and players can contribute to its success.
Next Steps: Join Us for a Video Review
To dive even deeper into the findings of this report, we will be hosting a video review where we break down the key insights and what they mean for:
- Developers looking for funding and growth opportunities
- Investors seeking to understand the potential of Africa’s gaming market
- Policymakers exploring how to support the industry
- ️ Gamers and community members who want to see more African-made games
This video will provide an in-depth analysis of the major takeaways from the report, expert opinions, and what lies ahead for Africa’s gaming industry.
Stay tuned for our video breakdown and let’s discuss how we can collectively push African gaming to new heights!
For the full report, visit www.africagamesreport.com.
What are your thoughts on Africa’s gaming industry? Do you think we will see more African-made games breaking into the global market? Do You agree with the report by Maliyo Games? Let us know in the comments!
