Africa’s Gaming Boom: Mobile Dominates a $1.8 Billion Market

Africa’s gaming industry has undergone a transformative surge, reaching $1.8 billion in 2024, representing a 12.4% year-over-year (YoY) increase — a pace six times faster than the global gaming market, which grew at just 2.1% YoY. According to a comprehensive analysis by leading games publisher Carry1st and global data provider Newzoo, mobile gaming has emerged as the driving force behind this remarkable growth, generating $1.6 billion and comprising nearly 90% of the region’s gaming revenue. This mobile dominance underscores Africa’s leapfrogging of traditional gaming platforms and its distinct trajectory in the global gaming landscape.

The continent’s player base expanded by an impressive 32 million in 2024, bringing the total number of gamers to 349 million, up from 317 million the previous year. Of these, a staggering 304 million play on mobile, highlighting the widespread adoption of smartphones and expanding internet access. Egypt led the market in terms of revenue, contributing $368 million, followed by Nigeria at $300 million and South Africa at $278 million. Eritrea and Niger experienced the fastest revenue growth, while Equatorial Guinea and Seychelles lagged in expansion.

Cordel Robbin-Coker, CEO and co-founder of Carry1st, emphasized the region’s untapped potential, stating, “The dominance of mobile gaming, making up nearly 90% of the market, highlights the distinct path Africa is taking — leapfrogging traditional platforms.” Michiel Buijsman, Principal Games Market Analyst at Newzoo, echoed this sentiment, noting that “Africa’s gaming sector is growing rapidly and outpacing global trends, which signals that the continent is catching up and its growth cannot be overlooked.”

The industry’s rapid ascent is fueled by innovative payment solutions and mobile-first strategies that make gaming more accessible to Africa’s burgeoning online population. As global gaming markets show signs of maturity and stagnation, Africa’s trajectory remains one of continuous growth and evolution. With the mobile segment leading the charge, the continent has become one of the few regions where the gaming industry can still find secular growth. This momentum makes Africa a critical player in the global gaming landscape, poised to reshape industry expectations for years to come.