Africa's video games market projected to rise from $2.14 billion to $3.72 billion by 2029
| Date | Type | Companies Involved | Key Datapoint |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 7, 2024 | report |
- The United Nations is also projecting a 50% rise in individuals aged 0 to 24 by 2050 in Africa
The video games market in Africa is projected to grow from an estimated $2.14 billion in 2024 to $3.72 billion by 2029 at a CAGR of 11.62%.
According to a market report from data firm Mordor Intelligence, this growth is driven by the popularity of mobile gaming, smartphone adoption, and the rollout of 5G.
In addition, the GSMA reports that unique mobile subscribers in Sub-Saharan Africa are expected to reach nearly 700 million by 2030, with Nigeria and Ethiopia leading the charge.
Market boost
Mobile penetration in Sub-Saharan Africa is projected to reach 50% by 2030, with an expected 475 million connections by 2025, over a quarter of which will utilise 4G networks.
In North Africa, 290 million people own cell phones, and the increasing availability of 5G networks is expected to significantly boost the market.
Nigeria's video games industry is also experiencing rapid growth, fueled by its large, youthful population, as we've highlighted in our Gamathon Takeaways story on all the trends from the games event that took place in Lagos, Nigeria.
The widespread availability of affordable smartphones and tablets has led to extensive adoption of digital gaming across various demographics, making mobile gaming particularly popular in Africa.
Mordor Intelligence's report also highlights that challenges such as rising piracy, evolving laws and regulations, and concerns related to fraud in gaming transactions could hinder the market's growth in the coming years.
You can access the full report here.