Africa’s Gaming Market Predicted to Surpass $1 Billion in 2023

Following a successful year for the Sub-Saharan African games market in 2022, data provider Newzoo reveals that the region is on track to surpass $1 billion in worth by the next year. This growth can be attributed to the thriving mobile gaming sector, which has been driving revenue despite challenges in accessing gaming content. In fact, mobile gaming currently represents 90.2% of the market, generating $778.6 million in revenue in 2022. Of this revenue, 74% came from Android users, while 26% came from Apple users.

Growth in the Mobile Gaming Sector

The latest report commissioned by African publisher Carry1st predicts that the gaming market in Sub-Saharan Africa will experience a 10.6% growth in the next year. The report also highlights that the growth in mobile gaming is expected to surpass revenue generated by console and PC gaming combined. By 2025, mobile gaming alone is projected to be worth $1.25 billion, nearly triple the expected value of console gaming at $44.2 million.

Key Findings

Newzoo’s study considered 10 major countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Ethiopia, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Angola, Tanzania, Cameroon, and Uganda. The findings show that Nigeria led in games revenue with $249 million in 2022, followed by South Africa with $236 million. Between these two countries, they contributed double the revenue of the remaining eight combined. Notably, Ethiopia experienced the highest year-on-year growth at 13%.

“The African games market is a story of potential. For the last three years, growth in the market has outpaced the global average, and it is set to keep doing so for the coming years,” said Tom Wijman, Newzoo’s lead games analyst.

Carry1st CEO and co-founder Cordel Robbin-Coker commented: “Historically, it has been nearly impossible to get reliable data on the African market, so we’re pleased to partner with Newzoo to share this report.

“With a massive influx of internet users and rapid adoption of digital payments, Africa is poised to follow in the footsteps of Southeast Asia and emerge as a major player in the global gaming industry.”

In addition, Newzoo predicts that paid competitive mobile gaming will generate $16 billion by next year, as 79% of all gamers play on their phones.