African Gaming Market Surges at 6x Global Growth in 2024, Says Carry1st
Africa’s gaming sector is experiencing a transformational boom, outpacing global trends with remarkable speed. According to a new report by Carry1st, an African Web3 gaming publisher, in collaboration with gaming data platform Newzoo, the continent’s gaming market surpassed $1.8 billion in 2024—a robust 12.4% year-on-year growth that is nearly six times higher than the global average of 2.1%.
Mobile Gaming Leads the Charge
One of the key drivers behind this explosive growth is mobile gaming, which accounted for nearly 90% of the market share, generating approximately $1.6 billion in revenue. With an estimated 32 million new gamers entering Africa’s gaming ecosystem in 2024, the overwhelming majority accessed games via mobile devices. This mobile-first approach has allowed Africa to leapfrog traditional gaming platforms, fueled by widespread smartphone adoption and improved internet connectivity.
Country Performance Highlights
Breaking down the numbers by country, the report reveals significant contributions from major markets:
- Egypt emerged as the leader with $368 million in revenue.
- Nigeria followed closely with $300 million, further cementing its reputation as a dynamic tech and crypto hub.
- South Africa contributed $278 million, showcasing its mature digital ecosystem.
In addition, the data indicates that countries like Eritrea and Niger are among the fastest-growing in gaming revenue, while Equatorial Guinea and Seychelles experienced more modest gains.
Expanding the Continental Picture
For the first time, Carry1st has expanded its analysis to cover the entire African continent, moving beyond its previous focus on sub-Saharan Africa. The report estimates that there are approximately 349 million gamers across Africa, with 304 million of them engaging in mobile gaming. This represents an increase of 32 million gamers from 317 million in 2023, reflecting a healthy 10% year-on-year growth. Notably, in 2021, the number of gamers was estimated at just 186 million, indicating the rapid evolution of the market over just a few short years.
Industry Voices Weigh In
Cordel Robbin-Coker, CEO and Co-Founder of Carry1st, commented on the report:
“Building on our previous collaborations with Newzoo, this new data illuminates the explosive growth of Africa’s gaming market. The dominance of mobile gaming, which now makes up nearly 90% of the market, highlights the distinct path Africa is taking—leapfrogging traditional platforms. With such growth in players and spending, it’s clear that Africa is one of the few regions to find secular growth in an industry that is otherwise showing signs of maturity.”
Similarly, Michiel Buijsman, Principal Games Market Analyst at Newzoo, noted:
“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. With a fast-growing mobile online population, the opportunities for expansion in this market are immense.”
Implications for the Future
The findings of this report underscore Africa’s transformation from an emerging market to a significant force in the global gaming industry. Fueled by mobile adoption, improved internet infrastructure, and innovative payment solutions, Africa’s gaming market is poised for continued growth. This momentum not only creates vast opportunities for game developers and investors but also contributes to broader financial inclusion across the continent.
As Africa continues to capture the attention of global investors, platforms like TawkCrypto remain committed to tracking and sharing these critical insights with our community. Stay tuned as we delve deeper into this dynamic market and explore what the future holds for gaming in Africa.
