Africa's esports industry stands at a critical juncture: it has grown accessible to millions through mobile infrastructure, yet remains structurally fragile without government backing and proper institutional frameworks to unlock its potential as a pathway to employment and education.
The gap between opportunity and infrastructure became the central concern at the recently concluded All African Gaming Expo (AGE), where industry leaders, educators, and federation officials examined how esports could drive youth inclusion, education, and economic mobility across the continent. The consensus pointed to a fundamental barrier: the absence of coordinated government involvement and systematic support.
The Infrastructure Gap
Mshikilwa noted that while Africa's esports scene remains accessible, it still lacks the structure of its global counterparts. Growth has been mainly driven by the expansion of mobile infrastructure and the availability of mobile devices—a foundation that has enabled broader participation but remains insufficient without institutional support.
Kunmi Adenipebi, founder and CEO of Game Evolution, articulated the core challenge directly: "The limitations that we've been having for at least a decade are basically because there is no proper infrastructure, at least from the government." He emphasized that government involvement typically accelerates sector growth. "We know that in most countries, whatever sector the government is involved with easily thrives," Adenipebi said. He pointed to the recent formation of the Esports Federation as addressing one longstanding problem: the lack of coordinated oversight and assistance to help the sector grow.
Monetisation remains a significant hurdle. The only current positive signal comes from content creators who are earning revenue through brand partnerships, suggesting a potential revenue pathway as the ecosystem matures.
Reframing Gaming as Educational Tool
In Lagos State, Bashir Are, CEO of the Lagos State Lottery and Gaming Authority (LSLGA), unveiled an ambitious strategic plan to introduce esports to roughly three million students by embedding competitive play into the study of mathematics, specifically algebra, and psychology. The initiative aims to shift gaming from mere entertainment toward a tool for cognitive development and academic excellence.
This approach reflects a broader global trend. The article noted that the global esports sector and its accompanying career paths have encouraged educational systems worldwide to integrate competitive gaming into their curricula to ensure future-ready skill sets.
Mags Byrne, Founder and CEO of Estars, emphasized that universities must be active participants in this ecosystem. Estars has partnered with The Open University (UK) to provide Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses for lecturers, enabling them to teach esports-related skills and knowledge.
Realistic Expectations, Broader Impact
Michele Magro, President of the Malta Esports Association, cautioned against overstating the professional gaming pathway. "The concept of people becoming professional esports players is a good idea. Some make a huge amount of money from that, but that's a small percentage of people hoping to become successful esports players," Magro said.
Instead, he framed esports as a powerful tool for youth empowerment, encouraging engagement in tasks young people might otherwise ignore. The benefits extend beyond gaming itself: teamwork, practice, dedication, and skill acquisition developed through esports transfer to any chosen career path.
Kunmi Adenipebi stressed that creating grassroots awareness of how esports benefits various ecosystems in Nigeria is key to unlocking wealth generation, careers, and education beyond traditional means.
The session was moderated by Yahaya Maikori, President of the Esports Federation of Nigeria, and included panellists from across the continent: Mags Byrne (Estars), Michele Magro (Malta Esports Association), Kunmi Adenipebi (Game Evolution), Ignat Bobrovich (Passport.GG), and Mshikilwa (Esports Federation of Tanzania).
Why This Matters:
Africa's esports sector represents a rare convergence of accessibility and untapped potential—but only if institutional barriers are addressed. The absence of government infrastructure and coordinated support has constrained growth for over a decade, limiting the sector's ability to serve as a genuine pathway to employment and skills development for millions of young people. As panellists emphasized, sectors that receive government backing tend to thrive, while those left to passion and individual effort face grinding limitations. The initiatives in Lagos State and the formation of continental esports federations signal recognition of this need. However, the gap between mobile accessibility and institutional maturity remains substantial. Without sustained government investment, regulatory frameworks, and educational integration, Africa risks leaving a significant workforce development opportunity underdeveloped—one that could otherwise provide economic mobility and skills training to millions of young people across the continent.