Egypt tops Africa’s $2.1bn games market as Nigeria leads in player count
South Africa leads esports revenues with $7-10m
Egypt has emerged as Africa’s highest-earning games market, generating $368 million from over 20m players, according to a new report by Maliyo Games and the French Embassy in Nigeria.
South Africa follows closely with 26.5m players contributing $278m, while Nigeria leads the continent in player numbers, 46.5m of Africa’s 349m gamers, generating an estimated $250-300m in revenue.
Mobile remains Nigeria’s dominant platform, with about 90% of players gaming on their phones.
Kenya and Côte d’Ivoire are identified as fast-rising markets, posting revenues of $46m and $31.9m, respectively, while Africa’s overall games revenue now stands at $2.1 billion.
Esports momentum builds
The report also highlights the continent’s growing esports economy, valued at roughly $40m and projected to surpass $60m by 2025.
South Africa leads esports revenues with $7-10m and up to 3m viewers. Egypt ranks second at $5-7m with around 6m viewers, while Nigeria follows with $3-6m and 1-3m viewers. Kenya and Côte d’Ivoire trail with less than $2m and $600,000, respectively, and smaller audiences below 1.5m.
“Today’s industry rests largely on the efforts of a few determined individuals and companies; pioneers who have navigated structural, institutional, and social challenges to lay esports’ foundation in Nigeria,” said Maliyo Games founder Hugo Obi.
"Some may question the value of such an industry when faced with pressing issues like food security, education, and health. Yet, entertainment and expression are not luxuries; they are fundamental to how societies thrive.
He added, “Our desire to play, connect, and create is as vital to our humanity as our need for shelter. Increasingly, those needs are being met through digital and interactive spaces where the controller or phone becomes a portal to competition, collaboration, and community.”
