Esports Industry: How Africa is missing out on Millions of Dollars

The exponential growth and interest in esports on the African continent are noteworthy and cannot be ignored any longer. In the last 12 months, many African esports athletes have been involved in major esports tournaments in Africa and on world stages. These tournaments usually come with attractive prize pool values.

Earlier this year in August, African esports athletes attended Evo 2023 at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Los Angeles.

The esports Athletes competed at the highest levels with top players from across the globe. The success of these athletes is a testament to the potential of African esports Athletes.

African countries who get involved in esports stand to have benefits including Economic Growth through job creation. Esports can be used as a catalyst for increased tourism, and the development of related businesses such as streaming platforms, event organizing, and esports equipment manufacturing.

Where esports Events are well organised, this may mean a dive into the ecosystem of esports tourism. Simply put, hosting major esports tournaments and events will attract international visitors, boosting local tourism and hospitality industries. It is estimated that countries such as England, Romania, Sweden and USA who have hosted series of high-level tournaments which have generated millions of Dollars in revenue from the attendance to the events.

Africa is estimated to have the largest youth population. Youth Engagement via esports is an avenue to explore as the world goes digital.  Esports provides a platform to engage with and empower the youth, fostering skills in teamwork, strategic thinking, and problem-solving.

Software products such as Minecraft and Roblox are very interesting and creative educational tools. This means that Esports can be integrated into educational programs, promoting skills like critical thinking, decision-making, and digital literacy.

Building esports arenas and facilities can also lead to urban development and improved technology infrastructure, with associated housing and estates potentially developing locally to cater for tourists, and local businesses.

African Governments, Ministries of Youth and Sports and associated Ministries need to recognise and appreciate the benefits, carefully plan, and invest to ensure sustainable growth and positive outcomes for both the esports industry and the nation.

Some promising African countries who look to be leading the pack include South Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, and Kenya. In the next 12 months it will be interesting to see one of the major titles make it to Africa for the World Championship Tour.