Africa has 186 million gamers and here’s why

• Gamers in Africa are taking the continent to a whole new level
• Esports players are undoubtedly transforming the African electronic gaming platform
• They are the reason why the continent has a special profile

Gamers in Africa are taking the continent to a whole new level with egaming which is deeply taking root in the region.

Esports players are undoubtedly transforming the African electronic gaming platform in a big way. They are the reason why the continent has a special profile on matters to do with egaming. This is picking up as a new talent development platform backed by the rolling out of internet connectivity in a majority of African countries.

Esports competitions and communities are thriving, offering bright gamers a realistic career path in addition to a form of entertainment. These egamers are pushing boundaries, crossing borders, and gaining prominence in the international arena thanks to the continent’s tremendous diversity and cultural influences.

HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE GAMERS IN AFRICA?

There are at least 186 million gamers in Africa according to a GSMA mobile economy report released in 2021. It indicates that nearly 28% of the population in Sub-Saharan Africa—roughly 303 million people—have internet connectivity. The high internet connectivity is behind the remarkable growth of the gaming community in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Egaming in Africa. Photo/OkayAfrica

The i86 million egamers populated over the last five years. Additionally, the surge is largely attributed to African gamers favoring tablets and smartphones over traditional gaming consoles. South Africa boasts the highest number of gamers, constituting 40% of its population (24 million people). It is followed by Ghana (27%), Nigeria (23%), Kenya (22%), and Ethiopia (13%).

Further, the GSMA report projected the growth of egamers to over 250 million by 2025 through addition of another 100 million African subscribers by 2025. Most of them will be from Nigeria and Ethiopia.

WHICH COUNTRY IN AFRICA HAS THE MOST GAMERS?

South Africa has the most gamers in Africa. There are 24 million people actively sharpening their esports skills which is 40% of its total population. South Africa’s high population internet connectivity rate of over 70% is one of the factors contributing to its esports popularity.

Second, the affordability of smartphones makes esports competitions more accessible. The expansion of AEC in the South is also being fueled by a gaming culture that is expanding quickly. Ghana is second in esports popularity in Africa due to a number of factors. They include:

• High internet penetration
• Affordable smartphones
• A growing esports scene
• A popular gaming culture
• Availability of successful esports teams and players

IS GAMING BIG IN AFRICA?

In recent years, gaming in Africa has grown significantly, signalling the continent’s development as a sizable cultural and economic force. While the African gaming market may not yet be on par with more developed ones, its rapid growth and avid involvement show that it is big and growing.

The expanding availability of mobile internet is a key factor contributing to this rise. Circling back to the 2021 GSMA mobile economy study, 303 million individuals in Sub-Saharan Africa, or around 28% of the population, have access to mobile internet. The game sector now has access to a huge potential audience thanks to this connectivity.

Skin Gaming. Photo/Outlook India

Sub-Saharan Africa has 186 million gamers so far which is massive given the continent’s infrastructure. Yet, this number rose close to 200 million in the last five years. This expansion is significant for the prevalence of gamers in Africa with Africans preferring smartphones and tablets to traditional consoles for their gaming experiences.

Moreover, 40% of South Africa’s population are big-time gamers, making it the largest country with the largest gaming population in Africa. Also, significant gaming communities are in Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, and Ethiopia while others are still emerging.

HOW BIG IS THE AFRICAN GAMING MARKET?

The African gaming market is one of the fastest-growing in the world. In 2023, the market has an estimated of worth $1.92 billion, and it is expected to reach $3.33 billion by 2028. This represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.62%.

Gamers in Africa are youthful with over 60% under the age of 25 which is a significant contributor to the expanding gaming market. Internet penetration is also on the rise which grants more individuals access to online games.

Moreover, the growth of the esports sector in Africa continues to draw more enthusiasts into gaming. Affordable smartphones support this growth by making mobile gaming more convenient for a broader audience.

CONCLUSION

African gamers are on an upward trajectory, driven by a youthful population, expanding internet access, a thriving esports scene, and the affordability of smartphones. The gaming industry in Africa is gaining momentum, offering a promising landscape for both entertainment and potential career opportunities.