As Africa’s E-Sports Economy Hits $66M, the Real Battle Is Still About Bandwidth
A booming industry powered by mobile gamers is clashing with the continent’s patchy internet reality
Africa’s e-sports market is now worth $66 million, according to Stears. That growth isn’t just impressive — it’s moving six times faster than the global average. An estimated 350 million people across the continent played video games in 2024. Most of them? On their phones.
Mobile gaming makes up 95% of user activity. It’s quick, accessible, and fits the pace of everyday life. But while the numbers are climbing, the experience isn’t always smooth.
Online multiplayer games — the heartbeat of competitive e-sports — rely on strong, steady connections. In many parts of the continent, that’s still a luxury. “African players are at a heavy disadvantage,” a pro gamer in Accra told The Guardian, pointing to lags and unreliable speeds.
So, while e-sports in Africa is clearly taking off, the race is uneven. The players are ready. The audience is growing. But the tech still needs to catch up.
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