Africa-based gaming studios are not earning much despite the rise in interest in video gaming across the continent.
Reported by Business Insider Africa, approximately 85% of African game studios make less than $100,000 each year. One contributor to the lack of gains among African-based gaming studios is that they are largely accessible only through the app store. Approximately 90% of all gaming revenue is generated from app stores. In Africa, however, less access to mobile bandwidth and digital payments means less access to these video games, accessible only through the app store.
Overall, approximately 90% of African gamers are not able to purchase video games directly from the app store, according to SpielFabrique and Xsoll’s 2026 African Video Game Report.
To increase revenue, African-based gaming studios need to adopt a different model to expand access to audiences outside Africa. By expanding access to other audiences, the studios could raise profits.
The lack of profit for gaming studios comes amidst a rise in video gaming across the continent.
According to SpielFabrique and Xsolla’s report, Africa’s video game market generated $1.8 billion in revenue in 2024. The revenue marked a new record. Per Mordor Intelligence, approximately 350 million gamers are in Africa. The statistic is nearly 10% more than the reported number in 2023.
Approximately 52% of the 350 million gamers were aged 18 to 35.
“Africa’s games industry is already active, resilient, and producing meaningful work, but it’s often misunderstood or oversimplified from the outside,” said the VP of Business Development 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 number of gamers in Africa is expected to rise. It is projected to reach 400 million gamers by 2027.
As interest in gaming grows, initiatives are being launched to support talent across the continent. This year, on December 4, Xbox Game Camp will return to provide assistance to African game studios. The company will provide tools, support for ongoing projects and mentorship.
The Xbox Game Camp will be held during Africa Games Week. Held annually, the week is dedicated to supporting the African gaming industry by bringing together more than 150 developers across the continent. The conference provides workshops, panels and talks to encourage collaboration and address key issues in the African gaming industry such as lack of funding.
