Why African Developers Are Betting Big on Mobile Games
The African gaming industry is experiencing a major shift, with developers focusing heavily on mobile games. With smartphone penetration rising and mobile internet becoming more accessible, mobile gaming is proving to be the future of the African gaming market. But what’s driving this trend, and why are developers betting big on it? Esports Africa News explores the developing trend.
Africa’s Mobile-First Market
Unlike regions where PC and console gaming dominate, Africa is a mobile-first continent. With millions of Africans relying on smartphones for entertainment, mobile games naturally have a larger audience.
Affordability & Accessibility
Buying a gaming PC or console is expensive in many African countries due to import costs and economic factors. On the other hand, budget smartphones are widely available, making mobile gaming the most accessible option.
Cost Comparison:
Gaming PC – $800+
PlayStation/Xbox – $400+
Budget Smartphone – $100+
Since most gamers can afford a smartphone but not a console, developers focus on mobile-friendly games.
Rising Popularity of Mobile Esports 🏆
Mobile esports is booming in Africa, with tournaments drawing thousands of players and spectators. Popular titles like PUBG Mobile, Free Fire, and Call of Duty: Mobile are leading the charge. Some of the major tournaments include:
African Esports Championship – Features mobile gaming categories.
ACGL (African Cyber Gaming League) – Runs mobile gaming tournaments.
Maliyo Games’ Naija Games Challenge – A competition for mobile game developers.
Giiks Game City (GGC)- CODM mobile gaming challenge (www.ggcgh.com)
Mobile gaming is fueling the rise of esports in Africa, attracting investment and sponsorships. This may be one of the ways esports in Africa take off!
Localized Games for African Audiences
African developers are creating culturally relevant games that resonate with local players. These games feature African characters, languages, and storylines, making them more relatable.
Maliyo Games (Nigeria) – Creates African-themed mobile games.
Leti Arts (Ghana) – Blends African folklore with mobile gaming.
Kiro’o Games (Cameroon) – Develops mobile RPGs inspired by African culture.
Mobile gaming allows African developers to tell their own stories and preserve culture through interactive entertainment.
Monetization Opportunities
African developers are finding multiple ways to monetize mobile games, including:
In-App Purchases – Selling virtual items like skins and power-ups.
Ad Revenue – Partnering with ad networks to generate income.
Subscription Models – Offering premium features through paid subscriptions.
Carry1st, a South African gaming company, has secured millions in investment to distribute and monetize mobile games in Africa.
Mobile gaming offers flexible revenue streams, attracting more developers to the industry.
Growth of Mobile Payment Systems
Africa’s mobile payment services, such as M-Pesa, Flutterwave, and Paystack, are simplifying in-game purchases and subscriptions for gamers.
80% of African adults use mobile money instead of bank accounts.
More developers are integrating mobile wallets for seamless transactions.
The ability to make payments via mobile is fueling the mobile gaming economy.
Global Investment in African Mobile Gaming
International gaming giants are recognizing Africa’s mobile gaming potential. Companies like Tencent, Ubisoft, and Sony are investing in African studios and mobile gaming initiatives.
Recent Investments include:
Tencent-backed Carry1st raised over $20 million for mobile game publishing.
Ubisoft opened Ubisoft Lagos, focusing on mobile game development.
South African mobile gaming startups are receiving increased VC funding.
The global gaming industry sees Africa as the next big mobile gaming market.
Challenges and the Future of Mobile Gaming in Africa
Despite the rapid growth, challenges remain:
Internet costs & speed – Data is expensive in some regions.
Infrastructure gaps – Power outages can disrupt gaming.
Funding for developers – Many studios lack financial support.
However, with smartphone penetration increasing and local studios innovating, the future of African mobile gaming looks bright.
African developers are betting big on mobile gaming because it’s accessible, affordable, and profitable. As smartphone adoption grows and local studios gain recognition, Africa is set to become a global force in mobile gaming.
