Africa‘s gaming industry experienced remarkable growth in 2024, reaching $1.8 billion in revenue, according to data from African gaming publisher Carry1st and research platform Newzoo. The sector grew by 12.4% compared to 2023, showcasing a year-over-year (YOY) growth rate of 2.1%, which is six times higher than the global average.
The surge was largely driven by mobile gaming, which dominated the market with a 90% share, generating $1.6 billion of the total revenue. Out of 349 million games played in Africa, 304 million were mobile games, with participation growing by 32 million compared to the previous year. Mobile gamers accounted for 87% of the player base, with a 10% YOY increase in participation.
Factors such as widespread smartphone adoption, increased internet access, and the rise of innovative payment solutions have contributed to the industry’s rapid expansion. Mobile gaming, being more affordable and accessible compared to high-end consoles and PCs, has become a popular alternative for many African gamers.
Leading the continent’s gaming boom, Egypt generated over $368 million in revenue in 2024, representing 20.4% of Africa’s total gaming income. Nigeria and South Africa followed closely, generating $300 million and $278 million, respectively. Additionally, Eritrea and Niger witnessed the highest growth rates in gaming revenue, while Equatorial Guinea and Seychelles lagged behind.
Nigeria’s gaming scene showed impressive numbers, with $229 million spent in 2023 and a gamer base of 14.7 million. Egypt had 20.2 million gamers and spent $212 million during the same period.
Esports also gained traction in Africa, with Carry1st hosting the Carry1st Africa Cup, a Call of Duty: Mobile tournament, boosting the sector further. The growing involvement of African gamers in international tournaments, such as six Nigerians competing in a Call of Duty Mobile event in Ireland, has also highlighted Africa’s potential in esports. These players combine their gaming skills with content creation, earning significant sums through tournaments and sponsorship deals.
The African gaming and esports industries are set for further growth, driven by the continent’s youthful population and rising engagement in competitive gaming
Source: Brand Focus Africa
