Video games: 406 million African players and a market close to $2 billion
Egypt, South Africa and Nigeria are driving the market. Kenya has just been chosen as Africa’s esports hub by the Global Esports Federation.
- 406 million gamers in Africa in 2026, twice as many as in 2021.
- A $1.98 billion market, led by Egypt, South Africa and Nigeria.
- Kenya becomes Africa’s esports hub.
Africa has 406.25 million video game players in 2026, against 369.66 million in 2025 and 186 million in 2021, according to estimates by Carry1st and Newzoo. The African market is expected to reach $1.98 billion in revenue this year.
- Egypt: $458.1 million.
- South Africa: $263 million.
- Nigeria: $226.6 million.
Nairobi, esports hub
On 8 September, the Global Esports Federation named Kenya its strategic hub for Africa. Nairobi will host the first esports World Cup held on the continent. The final of the Carry1st Africa Cup 2026 has a $30,000 prize pool, double last year’s.
In Johannesburg, Comic Con Africa runs from 24 to 27 September, with video game competitions organised by Telkom VS Gaming.
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