AFRO ESPORTS: WHEN THE NUMBERS DON'T ADD UP

Esports in Africa: Building the Foundation for a Bright Future

As I walked past a billboard showcasing a stunning realty property—luxurious townhouses, modern studio apartments, state-of-the-art offices, gyms, and recreation facilities—I couldn’t help but notice the stark contrast between the artistic vision and the construction site behind it. The billboard paints a picture of a dream, while the site reveals the hard work, debris, and labour of love required to bring that dream to life.

This metaphor perfectly captures the current state of the African Esports space. To me, we are still in the construction phase—a space filled with debris, but also with passionate individuals working tirelessly to build something extraordinary. While we all aspire for Esports to become a thriving ecosystem that benefits all stakeholders, it’s crucial to recognize that we are still in the early stages of this journey. Success will depend on our ability to understand and respect this timeline.

In conversations about Esports in Africa, one question always arises: What are the numbers? People often focus on immediate metrics—how many players, how big the prize pools, or the size of social media reach. While these are valid questions, they sometimes overshadow the bigger picture. Comparing Africa’s Esports ecosystem to more mature regions like Asia, Europe, or the Americas can lead to unrealistic expectations.

The truth is, Esports growth isn’t just about numbers—it’s about creating experiences that resonate with people’s interests and desires. It’s about building a foundation that enables sustainable growth. In Africa, many of the enabling factors—affordable gaming equipment, accessible internet, dedicated gaming arenas, and localized content—are still in development. The African gamer is navigating these challenges, but the growth potential is undeniable.

While our ecosystem may not yet have the numbers to attract large-scale brand visibility, we can focus on curating meaningful experiences that foster brand loyalty and engagement. These experiences will lay the groundwork for future growth and investment.

The challenges are real: the high cost of gaming equipment due to foreign exchange rates, expensive internet data for downloading and streaming, and a lack of next-gen gaming facilities. Additionally, there’s a need for greater professionalism, leadership commitment, and innovation in localizing Esports to fit African contexts. These are the foundational steps we must take to build a thriving esports ecosystem.

So, when the numbers don’t add up, what can Africa leverage to push Esports forward? Here are a few ideas:

1. Entertainment: Harness the power of storytelling and immersive experiences.

2. Sports Tourism: Tap into Africa’s love for football and integrate Esports into sporting events.

3. Tech, Digital, and Trade Shows: Use conferences and exhibitions to showcase Esports innovation.

4. Music Tourism: Combine Esports with Africa’s vibrant music scene.

5. Culture & Celebrations: Embed Esports into cultural festivals and celebrations.

6. Safari & Wildlife: Create unique Esports experiences tied to Africa’s natural beauty.

7. Folklore & History Narratives: Use Africa’s rich history and stories to inspire Esports content.

8. Education: Promote Esports as a tool for digital literacy and socio-economic development.

I believe that 20 or 30 years from now, Africa’s Esports ecosystem will be more structured and impactful. A generation that understands and embraces the digital lifestyle will recognize esports as a powerful tool for socio-economic growth. With the increasing accessibility of broadband, 5G, and solutions like Starlink, connectivity will drive the gig economy, creative economy, and digital economy forward.

Africa’s esports influence will be felt globally as technology becomes more pervasive. The journey may be challenging, but the trajectory of growth is clear.

What are your thoughts on the future of esports in Africa? I’d love to hear your insights and contributions in the comments below.

Until next time,

More Vim. More Wins.

Kwesi Hayford