African Confederation of Digital Sports Established to Propel Esports Development in Africa
In a landmark initiative aimed at revolutionising the digital sports landscape in Africa, the African Confederation of Digital Sports (ACDS) was formed on June 26 in the Moroccan city of Casablanca. Spearheaded by Morocco, a leading country in the world of esports, and with the participation of invited African nations, the ACDS aims to promote, regulate, and drive the growth of esports across the continent. Under the leadership of Hicham El Khilifi, the President of the Royal Moroccan Federation of Electronic Games, this new organisation seeks to unite African countries and create a thriving ecosystem for digital sports and video gaming throughout the region.
The momentous occasion brought together leaders representing recognised federations and associations from various African countries. The inaugural meeting convened to discuss the establishment of the African Confederation of Digital Sports and chart a collective path towards advancing esports in Africa. A total of 41 countries, including Morocco, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and Uganda, among others, were among the pioneering nations present at this significant event.
The primary goal of the African Confederation of Digital Sports is to foster the development and growth of the digital sports ecosystem throughout the African continent. By uniting the national governing bodies for digital sports from every African country, the ACDS aims to create a robust and dynamic environment that engages stakeholders in the video gaming industry, including governments, companies, associations, and athletes.
Through collective efforts and collaboration, the ACDS seeks to establish a sustainable and thriving ecosystem for digital sports and video gaming in Africa. This ambitious vision entails nurturing talent, promoting inclusivity, facilitating technological advancements, and providing a platform for African esports athletes to showcase their skills on a global stage.
At the helm of this groundbreaking endeavour stands Hicham El Khilifi, who was unanimously elected head of the ACDS at the end of the general assembly and is an esteemed figure in the world of digital sports. As the President of the Royal Moroccan Federation of Electronic Games, El Khilifi brings a wealth of experience and passion to his new role as President of the African Confederation of Digital Sports.
Under El Khilifi’s leadership, the ACDS aims to leverage Morocco’s prominence in esports to drive the development of digital sports across Africa. His strategic vision and commitment to advancing esports in the region are expected to shape the ACDS into a pioneering force within the global esports community.
“This is the start of an exciting new era for digital sports in Africa. We are determined to make Africa a major player in the global digital sports industry by creating opportunities for talented players, fostering inclusion, and generating enthusiasm among fans,” El Khilifi said “The Constitutive General Assembly of ACDS marks the beginning of an exciting new era for digital sports in Africa. We are determined to make Africa a leader in the global digital sports industry, creating opportunities for talented players, fostering inclusion, and generating excitement among fans.”
El Khilifi is joined by the Executive Committee, which comprises several notable figures in the African esports scene, including Kwesi Hayford, Marius Mbuembue, Fred Katende Malibu, Mamadou Dioum, Pamela Derom, and many others.
In his first interview after the election, Katende expressed his optimism about the future of digital sports in Uganda, East Africa, and Africa as a whole. He highlighted the untapped potential of this field, stating, “Digital sports in Uganda, East Africa and Africa has a promising future. The space is still virgin and with huge expectations.” As the Acting President of the Uganda Esports Federation, Katende expressed his excitement about being elected to the African Executive. He emphasised the importance of developing national and regional tournaments in East Africa to further advance the growth of esports in the region.
I am excited to be voted on the African executive. There is need to develop national and regional tournaments in East Africa to further grow this sport.
Acting President of the Uganda Esports Federation and Executive Committee Member of ACDS, Fred Katende Malibu
With the formation of the African Confederation of Digital Sports, Africa is poised to embark on an exciting journey towards establishing itself as a force to be reckoned with in the world of esports. The participation of diverse African nations, each with its own unique gaming culture and passionate player base, ensures a vibrant and inclusive landscape for digital sports in the region.
By fostering collaboration among national governing bodies, the ACDS aims to unlock the untapped potential of African esports, providing opportunities for talented individuals and enabling the industry to flourish. The collective efforts of governments, companies, associations, and athletes, channelled through the ACDS, will contribute to the creation of a thriving digital sports ecosystem that transcends borders and propels Africa into the global esports arena.
The establishment of the African Confederation of Digital Sports marks a pivotal moment for esports in Africa. Led by Hicham El Khilifi, the ACDS aims to unite African nations, foster collaboration, and create a sustainable ecosystem for digital sports and video gaming throughout the continent. With a shared vision and collective efforts, Africa is poised to emerge as a powerhouse in the global esports community, empowering its talented athletes and showcasing its vibrant gaming culture to the world. The formation of the ACDS signifies a promising future where Africa’s presence in the world of digital sports is truly recognised and celebrated.
