Annual statistical analysis from Carry1st, Africa’s leading publisher of games and digital content, and Newzoo, the world’s leading provider of PC and console games market data and insights, reveals that Africa’s gaming market is growing six times faster than the global average – with an estimated 32 million new gamers in Africa in 2024, the vast majority on mobile.
According to the analysis commissioned by Carry1st, the African gaming market reached over $1.8 billion in 2024 (representing 12.4% YOY growth vs. 2023), outpacing global gaming growth sixfold (2.1% YOY growth).
Mobile gaming drove this growth, representing nearly 90% ($1.6 billion) of Africa’s $1.8 billion gaming market in 2024.
Data reveals an estimated 349 million gamers across the African continent, of which 304 million were mobile gamers. The number of gamers grew by 32 million from 317 million in 2023, representing a 10% year-over-year (YoY) increase.
These latest figures mark the first time data released by Carry1st has encompassed the entire African continent rather than being limited to sub-Saharan Africa, as it was in previous years. In 2021, when Carry1st’s analysis focused on sub-Saharan Africa, the number of gamers was estimated at 186 million.
Africa’s Gaming Revolution
Africa’s gaming market is evolving rapidly, emerging as a major force in the global gaming landscape. In 2023, Newzoo and Carry1st projected that sub-Saharan Africa’s gaming market would reach $1 billion by 2024.
This growth highlights Africa’s evolution from an emerging market to a major player in the global gaming industry. With widespread mobile adoption, increasing internet access, and innovative payment solutions driving expansion, Africa’s gaming market continues to grow. As global markets see slower growth, Africa’s rapid growth underlines the market’s enormous potential.
Key findings:
- The number of gamers in Africa increased by 32 million in 2024, from 317 million to 349 million, representing a 10% year-over-year (YoY) increase.
- Mobile gamers made up 87% of the total player base, with 304 million playing on mobile.
- Africa’s gaming market grew six times faster than the global average, with global growth sitting at just 2.1% YoY in 2024
- The African gaming market grew from $1.6 billion in 2023 to $1.8 billion in 2024, representing a 12.4% year-over-year (YoY) increase.
- Mobile gaming continues to dominate, accounting for $1.6 billion of the total $1.8 billion market, with a 14% YoY increase
- Closely examining countries in the region based on forecasts for 2024, the data reveals:
- Egypt led with $368 million in revenue, followed by Nigeria ($300 million) and South Africa ($278 million).
- Eritrea and Niger were the fastest-growing countries in gaming revenue, while Equatorial Guinea and Seychelles were the slowest-growing.
Carry1st CEO and Co-founder Cordel Robbin-Coker comments, “Building on our previous collaborations with Newzoo, this new data illuminates the explosive growth of Africa’s gaming market. The dominance of mobile gaming, making 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 places to find secular growth in an industry that is otherwise showing signs of maturity.”
Michiel Buijsman, Principal Games Market Analyst at Newzoo, adds, “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 and 90% of its $1.8 billion market coming from mobile gaming, it’s clear where growth opportunities can be found.”
