Africa
State of the African Video Game Industry 2026: Xsolla Backs SpielFabrique’s Definitive Market Report
Xsolla today announced its support for State of the African Video Game Industry 2026, a comprehensive new report from SpielFabrique and researcher PhD Prince Oguguo that maps the size, structure, and growth dynamics of Africa’s fast-evolving games ecosystem. The study delivers data-driven insight into developer realities, market infrastructure, monetization trends and strategic recommendations for partners and investors.
Key findings at a glance
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Market size: Africa’s video games industry generated approximately $1.8 billion in revenue in 2024, driven predominantly by mobile gaming (≈90% of the market).
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Growth drivers: A young, mobile-first population, rising smartphone adoption and broader digital services are fueling above-average expansion across the continent.
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Structural challenges: Persistent pain points include payment friction, limited funding, uneven internet and platform infrastructure, and the lack of a unified continental market.
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Diverse ecosystems: The report stresses regional variation — with deep dives into Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Egypt, and Morocco — showing how local payment systems, regulation and culture shape monetization and discoverability.
Why this report matters
“Supporting research like this helps ground industry conversations in real data and lived developer experience,” said Ilayda Bayari, VP of Business Development, MEA + Southern Europe at Xsolla. The report equips publishers, platforms, investors and policy-makers with actionable intelligence to build more sustainable partnerships with African developers.
Focus areas and recommendations
SpielFabrique’s study examines three critical levers for growth:
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Payments & distribution: Local payment methods and mobile money are essential to improve conversion and lifetime value for African titles.
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Funding & infrastructure: Targeted investment and improved developer tools/platforms are needed to scale studios beyond domestic markets.
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Talent & esports: Clearer talent pathways, education programmes and esports ecosystems will strengthen local production and audience engagement.
Regional snapshots
The research highlights how national differences influence outcomes: strong indie scenes in Nigeria and Kenya, established studios and distribution channels in South Africa, and growing developer communities in North African markets such as Egypt and Morocco.
Launch and supporting activity
The State of the African Video Game Industry 2026 report became available on January 29, 2026, and was launched with a coordinated website feature, social media rollout and a post-launch community webinar to share insights and facilitate industry discussion.
Voices from the field
“After more than seven years working alongside African game makers and ecosystem builders, I’m proud to share this comprehensive overview of where the market stands today,” said Pr. Odile Limpach, Co-founder of SpielFabrique. The report aims to catalyze cooperation and make markets more visible — enabling partners to act on opportunities while appreciating local challenges.
The post State of the African Video Game Industry 2026: Xsolla Backs SpielFabrique’s Definitive Market Report appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Accra
Kaizen Gaming Launches Betano in Ghana — 20th Regulated Market & Responsible GameTech Expansion
Kaizen Gaming has officially launched Betano in Ghana, marking the company’s 20th regulated market and its first market entry of 2026.
The launch underscores Kaizen’s global GameTech expansion strategy—rooted in technology, regulatory compliance and responsible operations—bringing safe sportsbook and casino products to Ghana’s fast-growing digital audience.
Official launch and local leadership
A dedicated launch event in Accra brought together Kaizen Gaming leaders—George Skarlatos (Director of Business Development), Daniel Lamberti (Senior Business Development Advisor) and Joseph Owusu Badu (Country Manager, Ghana)—alongside Emmanuel Siisi Quainoo, Acting Commissioner of the Ghana Gaming Commission. The ceremony celebrated market entry and formalized local partnerships designed to ensure a compliant, trusted player experience from day one.
“Ghana is a market with strong long-term potential, an increasingly tech-oriented population, and a clear commitment to building a structured and transparent regulatory environment,” said George Skarlatos. “With responsibility embedded across our technology, processes and operations, we are fully aligned with Ghana’s regulatory framework.”
Acting Commissioner Emmanuel Siisi Quainoo welcomed Betano’s entry, noting the operator’s commitment to player protection, market integrity and adherence to high regulatory standards.
What Betano brings to Ghana: technology, safety, and choice
Betano’s Ghana launch delivers:
- A full responsible gaming framework and local customer protections.
- A technology-first sportsbook and casino platform optimized for mobile and desktop.
- Local operations led by a Ghana-based country manager to support regulatory compliance and customer care.
These features aim to provide Ghanaian players safe, transparent access to licensed online betting and casino entertainment.
Momentum from global recognition and sports partnerships
Kaizen enters Ghana following a standout year of industry awards and partnerships. The operator was named Operator of the Year at both the EGR Operator Awards and the SBC Awards for the second consecutive year, and in 2025 announced a global FIFA partnership for the FIFA Club World Cup. Kaizen also maintains high-profile football partnerships with clubs such as FC Bayern München, Aston Villa FC, FC Porto, Sporting CP, SL Benfica, River Plate and Flamengo, demonstrating the brand’s marketing strength and sports engagement credentials.
Strategic outlook: scaling responsibly in Africa
Ghana’s strong digital uptake and clear regulatory ambitions make it a priority for Kaizen’s global rollout. By centering regulation, local partnerships and responsible-play tools, Kaizen aims to build a scalable, trusted presence in Ghana while contributing to local economic activity and regulated market growth.
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Africa
Dive Into a Different Kind of Love This February with Springbok Casino’s ‘Whalentines Month’ and Claim 25 Free Spins
This February, SpringbokCasino.co.za redefines the season of love with ‘Whalentines Month’, a unique feature inspired by the majestic whales visiting South Africa’s coast. The campaign celebrates love as a patient, enduring, and natural force.
Players are welcomed with 25 FREE SPINS on the popular slot Buffalo Mania: Thunder Springs.
“February is usually dressed in red — roses, ribbons, and familiar love stories that come and go as quickly as they arrive,” says Daniel Van Wyke, Casino Manager. “But along South Africa’s coastline, love follows a slower rhythm. Whalentines Month honors that deeper connection.”
The feature explores the ocean’s gentle giants:
- Gentle Giants of Love: Highlights whales’ profound social bonds and family loyalty.
- A Romantic Sanctuary: Showcases why South Africa’s waters are a chosen haven for whale courtship.
- Oceanic Love Songs: Reflects on the whales’ haunting, far-traveling serenades.
- Motherhood Depths: Reveals the ultimate devotion between whale mothers and calves.
- Celebrating Right: Encourages embracing patience, care, and nature’s timeless love stories.
Whalentines Month invites everyone to discover love in its most powerful, natural form. Visit Springbok Casino to claim your free spins and experience a love story written in the waves.
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The post Dive Into a Different Kind of Love This February with Springbok Casino’s ‘Whalentines Month’ and Claim 25 Free Spins appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Africa
Sun International Appoints Mark Sergeant as Chief Operating Officer of Gaming
Sun International CEO Ulrik Bengtsson has announced the appointment of Mark Sergeant as chief operating officer: gaming, responsible for land-based revenue across the group.
Sergeant will head up the casino operations from February, reporting directly to the CEO. He also brings over 25 years of credible leadership experience across all spheres of Sun International’s operations, from gaming to leisure and hospitality, having led two of the UK’s largest casino groups.
As the group managing director at Genting Casinos he oversaw a portfolio of 35 casinos across the UK, an international casino operation in Cairo, a UK integrated gaming and leisure resort, and two online gaming businesses.
Sun International said the appointment marks another giant leap forward for the group as it pursues its strategy to become a digitally-led, market-leading omnichannel gaming company of scale.
Bengtsson said: “Mark brings all the right skills to drive our gaming operations forward as well as a fresh new perspective for how we can continue to build world-class capabilities”
“In addition to his notable skills, we were also impressed by his leadership expertise and his passion for people. He is widely recognised for building high‑performing teams, developing future leaders, and cultivating service‑driven cultures that will ultimately deliver exceptional customer experiences. He has also played a significant role in championing Responsible Gaming strategies, ensuring operational excellence while upholding the highest standards of compliance, integrity, and customer care.”
The post Sun International Appoints Mark Sergeant as Chief Operating Officer of Gaming appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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