GamesConnect AFRICA: Building the Future of African Gaming
Africa’s gaming industry is on the brink of something big. As one of the fastest-growing creative sectors on the continent, game development holds immense potential to drive innovation, create jobs, and put African storytelling on the global stage. But for this potential to be fully realized, game developers need access to resources, mentorship, and international networks. That’s where GamesConnect AFRICA comes in.
This initiative is dedicated to fostering a strong, interconnected, and sustainable gaming ecosystem by empowering African game studios, facilitating global collaborations, advocating for policy support, and showcasing African-made games to the world through the support of festivals and gaming events.
What is GamesConnect AFRICA?
GamesConnect AFRICA is more than just an initiative—it’s a movement to shape the future of gaming across the continent. It’s about helping mid-sized game studios grow, giving them the tools and support they need to scale up, improve game quality, and compete with the best in the world. At the same time, it’s creating opportunities for African developers to collaborate with international gaming professionals, share knowledge, and work on co-productions that put African stories at the forefront.
Governments also play a crucial role in this journey. That’s why GamesConnect AFRICA is actively engaging with policymakers to highlight the economic and cultural value of the gaming industry, pushing for grants, funding, and policies that can drive meaningful growth.
But it doesn’t stop there. The initiative is building a pan-African network that connects developers, investors, and stakeholders, making it easier for everyone in the industry to collaborate and grow together. And, of course, a big focus is on promoting African-made games, ensuring they get the visibility they deserve both locally and internationally.
Vulane Mthembu, Project Coordinator at Gamebox, Goethe-Institut Johannesburg, emphasizes the initiative’s commitment to growing the industry: “GamesConnect AFRICA is dedicated to creating a more connected and sustainable gaming ecosystem across the continent. By fostering collaborations and supporting mid-sized studios, we’re ensuring that African games are not just developed but celebrated. We are working to be present at key gaming events, helping local talent gain international exposure and meaningful opportunities.”
Why This Matters
Africa’s gaming industry is gaining traction, but challenges like funding, limited access to global markets, and lack of policy support still hold many developers back. GamesConnect AFRICA is stepping in to change that by providing real opportunities for studios to scale, learn, and succeed. This is a chance for game developers to not just survive but thrive in an industry that is only getting bigger.
Where to Find Us in 2025
GamesConnect AFRICA has plans to be part of some of the biggest gaming events on the continent and beyond, ensuring that African developers are well-represented. While some of these events are still being confirmed, here are some of the key industry moments where we aim to have a presence:
- Lagos Game Jam (February – March) in partnership with Africacomicade (Hybrid: Online + Lagos, Nigeria)
- AMAZE Festival (May), supporting an African jury member’s participation
- Game Jam+ (May 13-17) in Angola
- Lagos Games Week (June) in Nigeria
- GamesCom (August)
- Gamathon (September) in Nigeria
- Fak’ugesi (October 9-12) in Johannesburg
- FEJA (November, Date TBA) in Abidjan
- Joburg Games Fest (Date TBA) in Johannesburg
- Africa Games Week (Date TBA) in Tunisia or Cape Town
- Playtopia (Date TBA) in Cape Town
- Workshops in Game Design (All Year) in various locations in Côte d’Ivoire
- Mentoring with Spielfabrique (March – November, Online)
Safurat Balogun, Head of Information & Library, adds: “The gaming industry in Africa has immense potential, and through initiatives like GamesConnect AFRICA, we are bridging gaps, creating opportunities, and elevating African gaming talent to international levels.”
This is just the beginning. The future of African gaming is bright, and GamesConnect AFRICA is here to make sure it shines even brighter.
For more information visit our website: https://www.goethe.de/ins/za/en/kul/mut/gca.html#accordion_toggle_26417526_2
GamesConnect AFRICA is a regional project of the Goethe-Institut Sub-Saharan Africa supported by the EU National Institutes for Culture Cluster Fund in partnership with SpielFabrique.
Press contact
Hlokomelo Mabogale
