The video games and esports industry is fast-growing and Africa is no exception. Esports has recently received substantial prominence across the continent as evidenced by multiple video game competitions, networking events, and conferences.
From Lagos to Accra and Ghana, down to Cape Town, South Africa, the African games industry is sizzling with events designed to entertain, educate, and connect passionate gamers and industry leaders. So, mark your calendars as we’ve brought all the exciting events to you in one place.
Lagos Games Week – Nigeria
The first edition of Lagos Games Week was held from May 2nd to May 4th, 2024, at the Landmark Event Center in Victoria Island, Lagos, to support local game developers and contribute to the industry’s growth in Nigeria.
This event encouraged collaborators, innovators, and developers within the creative landscape economy of Lagos to take part in bolstering the Nigerian gaming scene. Investors, stakeholders, and visionaries like Sayo Owolabi, Bukola Akingbade, Oscar Michael, and many others were in attendance.
The next edition of LGW will take place in 2025 at an unannounced date.
Africa Games Week – South Africa
This is one of the largest industry gatherings for the gaming sector in Africa, which also brings together leaders, developers, and content producers from all across the continent and beyond.
The 2024 edition will take place in Cape Town, South Africa, with enthusiasts and stakeholders set to take the stage in seminars, conferences, and business-to-business (B2B) events to advance the African gaming sector.
This year’s AGW will kick off from December 2nd to December 7th, and you can grab tickets from the official website.
Morocco Gaming Expo
The first edition was held from May 24th to May 26th, 2024, at the Sofitel Jardin des Roses in Rabat Gaming City. This event focuses on promoting the country’s gaming industry, and local development, fostering connections, encouraging entrepreneurship, and highlighting gaming as a source of employment for the region’s youth.
Stands were available at no cost, pending approval via the website. The event includes a conference with national and international experts discussing trends such as entertainment, music in games, MENA esports, indie game growth, education initiatives, XR/VR, and AI’s impact on the sector. You can find out more from the official website.
Gamathon – Nigeria
After it launched in 2020, Africacomicade has championed creatives in gaming through opportunities like recruitment, conferences, and the Gamathon. This event includes workshops, mentorship, and networking to foster creativity and skill development across the African gaming community.
Participants collaborate during the hackathon to create innovative projects, with winners receiving prizes and recognition. Gamathon aims to elevate African talent in gaming, encouraging collaboration and innovation within the industry. The next edition is set to take place from September 30th to October 5th, 2024 and you can find out more here.
Accra Esports Week – Ghana
This esports event is one of the largest esports gatherings in Ghana, as it brings together and facilitates networking amongst all parties involved in the gaming scene in Ghana.
From workshops, lectures, exhibitions, and video games, the event showcases the newest developments in the video game industry from leading companies and figures. You can find out more from the official website.
Africa Game Expo – Lagos Nigeria
While most game events solely focus on gaming and esports, the African Game Expo touches on the latest trends, technologies, and strategies revolutionising the African gaming industry.
With the next edition set to take place in Lagos on February 25th, 2025, attendees can gain insights from leaders in gaming, fintech, and banking, and explore advancements like AI-driven analytics and blockchain innovations shaping the future of these dynamic fields. Find out more from the official website.
Xbox Game Studios Game Camp Africa
With a focus on aspiring game developers, Xbox Game Studios is annually scouting for Africa’s brightest talents with Game Camp Africa. The event offers valuable insights, workshops, and networking opportunities to help you take your game development journey to the next level.
Game Camp founder Peter Zetterberg announced the return of Game Camp Africa in 2024, with two back-to-back conferences on July 13-14 and July 17-19. In-person viewing events will be held in Cairo, Joburg, Lagos, and Nairobi to maximise participation. You can find out more from the official website.
Maliyo Summer Game Jam (Virtual Event)
CEO and founder Hugo Obi is calling all creative minds on a journey to kick off the summer by flexing their game development skills at the Maliyo Summer Game Jam. This virtual event challenges participants to create a game within a week that can aid in fostering innovation and camaraderie within the African game development community.
Registration for this year’s Game Jam has closed but you can find out more next year’s edition from the official website.
Gamr X – Esports competition
This powerhouse tournament by Gamr Africa saw gamers from across Africa battle it out for glory in games like PUBG Mobile, CODM, and Free Fire. With over 150,000 people streaming the finals, it solidified the continent’s passion for esports.
The most recent esports event was held on May 4th, 2024 and you can find out more from the official page.
