Xsolla supports the release of the “State of the African Video Game Industry 2026” report
February 9, 2026•3 min
Africa’s video game industry is no longer an emerging footnote; it’s a fast-growing, complex ecosystem deserving of serious attention. That reality is at the heart of the State of the African Video Game Industry 2026, a new report published by SpielFabrique and supported by Xsolla.
Developed in collaboration with independent researcher PhD Prince Oguguo, the report delivers a data-driven snapshot of Africa’s games ecosystem as it stood in 2025. It explores the structure, scale, and evolution of game development, publishing, and esports across the continent, with a focus on real-world developer experiences, business dynamics, and market infrastructure.
Xsolla’s support for the study reflects its ongoing commitment to expanding access, infrastructure, and opportunity for game creators worldwide, particularly in regions where talent and demand are growing faster than the systems that support them.
“Africa’s games industry is already active, resilient, and producing meaningful work, but it’s often misunderstood or oversimplified from the outside,” said Ilayda Bayari, VP of Business Development, MEA + Southern Europe at Xsolla.“Supporting research like this helps ground industry conversations in real data and lived developer experience, which is essential for partners and platforms looking to engage with African markets in a sustainable, informed way.”
A data-driven look at a rapidly growing market
According to the report, Africa’s video game market generated approximately $1.8 billion in revenue in 2024, with mobile gaming accounting for nearly 90% of that total. Growth across the continent continues to outpace global averages, fueled by a young population, mobile-first audiences, rising smartphone adoption, and expanding access to digital services. However, the study doesn’t shy away from the challenges. It highlights persistent structural barriers, including payment friction, limited access to funding, uneven infrastructure, and the lack of a unified continental market. These realities shape how African developers build, distribute, and monetize their games often requiring highly localized strategies.Africa is not one market
A central theme of the report is diversity. Rather than presenting Africa as a single opportunity, it offers a detailed analysis of major regional hubs, including Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Egypt, and Morocco. Differences in infrastructure, payment systems, cultural perceptions of gaming, and levels of government support all shape how studios operate and succeed.
“Africa’s games industry is already active, resilient, and producing meaningful work, but it’s often misunderstood or oversimplified from the outside,” said Ilayda Bayari, VP of Business Development, MEA + Southern Europe at Xsolla.“Supporting research like this helps ground industry conversations in real data and lived developer experience, which is essential for partners and platforms looking to engage with African markets in a sustainable, informed way.”
The role of payments, platforms, and distribution
The report emphasizes the importance of distribution and payment infrastructure. Access to local payment methods, mobile money solutions, and regionally adapted platforms directly impacts discoverability, conversion, and long-term sustainability for African studios, particularly those operating across borders.Talent, esports, and the road ahead
Beyond market analysis, the study examines talent development pathways, studio formation, and the evolving esports landscape. It also offers strategic recommendations for ecosystem participants, institutions, and international partners seeking to support long-term growth across Africa’s games industry. “After more than seven years working alongside African game makers and ecosystem builders, I’m proud to share this comprehensive overview of where the market stands today,” said Pr. Odile Limpach, Co-founder of SpielFabrique. “At SpielFabrique, we aim to catalyse cooperation by making markets more visible and more understandable - so partners can act on opportunities while appreciating local challenges. Enjoy reading."Accessing the full report
To access the full report, visit: https://spielfabrique.eu/bridge/#WhitePaperFeatured articles
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