Five African countries including Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa are leading the continent into a more inclusive esports future. The continent’s over 200 million gamers who mostly binge on online mobile games spent over $778.6 million in 2022. Gaming in the continent is projected to generate $1 billion by the end of 2024, according to Newzoo analytics.
Photo credit: Bambina
Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, and South Africa, have all hosted large tournaments featuring the continent’s best players. While all these are exciting to know, esports players in Africa are rarely found on global stages which continues to be dominated by European, Asian, and American players.
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Factors like lack of adequate government support, lack of high-speed internet and gaming technologies, fewness of local tournaments, and low prize money continue to limit the growth of esports in Africa. However, the large youth population on the continent is driving innovation and increasing demand for esports.
GameBaba Universe sat with Magdaline ‘Bambina’ Mumbi, a seasoned esports athlete with over half a decade of experience to talk about her recent outing at the Kongo Esports Championship and the state of esports in Africa.
Anthony Emecheta: How did you get into esports and how long have you been in the game?
Magdaline ‘Bambina’ Mumbi: I got into esports through my love for video games and the community. My journey began as a casual gamer, but around 2018, I discovered there’s a whole industry through Safaricom’s BYOB coast edition. When I discovered competitive gaming and the potential it holds, I was smitten. I have been actively involved in esports for about 6 years, transitioning from a gamer to a tournament organizer, gamer representative, and even a player representing Kenya in international events.
AE: How much has esports in Africa grown in the past five years?
Bambina: Esports in Africa has seen remarkable growth in the last five years. From grassroots tournaments to more organized events. The scene matured significantly in the year 2022. We’ve seen an increase in international competitions featuring African qualifiers, like the Global Esports Games and the International Esports Games. This has created the emergence of professional teams and the establishment of local gaming hubs. However, there’s still untapped potential waiting to be nurtured.
AE: What do you think African esports gamers need to compete on global stages?
Bambina: African esports gamers need better infrastructure, including access to high-quality gaming equipment. I know many people passionate about Esports but lack equipment and reliable internet. Additionally, exposure to global tournaments, coaching, and opportunities for scrims against regional and international teams would help bridge the skill gap. Financial investment and sponsorships from govt and other private companies are also critical to support the players and the ecosystem.
AE: I have watched several esports tournaments including Valorant Champions Tournament, Leagues of Legends, Apex Legends, and so on but have never seen an African team represented in such events. What is the reason behind that and how do you think we can flip that table?
Bambina: The lack of representation stems from multiple factors including limited regional qualifiers for global events, insufficient infrastructure, and a lack of financial backing for teams to compete at that level. To change this, major players in the ecosystem need to include Africa in their competitive ecosystems, and the region must develop stronger teams through investment in training and support systems. Africa is a few steps behind but we are definitely in the right direction.
Photo credit: Bambina
AE: Tell me about the Kongo Esports Championship, the qualification, requirements, how to become a participant
Bambina: The Kongo Esports Championship is a prestigious Tekken 8 tournament designed to highlight the best gamers in Africa. It is a project designed by Sages. To qualify, players must participate in regional qualifiers hosted in various countries. The Kenyan Qualifiers were conducted at the Nairobi Garage on the 12th of October where 9 other ladies came to compete. Requirements include being 16 years old and above, holding a passport, and registering through the link provided by the local affiliate. Interested players need to follow announcements from the organizers for details on registration and dates.
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AE: What does it feel like getting to the finals in the Kongo Esports Championship?
Bambina: Getting to the finals was both thrilling and humbling. It was a testament to the hard work and dedication I put in. Competing against top-tier players from across the continent pushed me to perform at my best. My mentality during the games was both calm and focused. I, of course, met players who were more experienced than me in the game and took home a few lessons. It was an honor to represent Kenya.
AE: Have you participated in any other esports tournaments?
Bambina: Yes, I have participated in several esports tournaments, both locally and internationally. Notably, I represented Kenya in Dec 2022 in Istanbul Turkey on the Dota 2 platform and this year I got to represent Kenya in Congo of which I’m really proud of my performance.
AE: What do you think is the major obstacle holding back esports development in Africa?
Bambina: The major obstacle is the lack of infrastructure and funding. Most players and teams struggle with access to basic gaming resources, high-quality equipment, and stable internet connections. Additionally, there’s limited awareness and recognition of esports as a legitimate industry by governments and potential sponsors.
AE: Have you ever imagined participating in an esports tournament where an African studio developed the game?
Bambina: Yes, I’ve envisioned it many times. It would be a proud moment for African gaming and a milestone for the industry. An African-developed game would reflect our culture and experiences, providing a unique competitive edge on the global stage. I hope to see this dream realized soon.
Photo credit: Bambina
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AE: What’s your advice to those aspiring to get into esports in Africa?
Bambina: Start by honing your skills and finding a community of like-minded gamers. Participate in local tournaments to gain experience and exposure. Networking is crucial; build connections with other players, teams, and organizers. Lastly, stay persistent and passionate—esports in Africa is growing, and your contribution could make a difference in shaping its future.
AE: Thank you, Magdaline, for your time.
Magdaline is an Esports National Team Manager, Tekken 7, and FIFA23 Referee. She recently participated in the Kongo Esports Championship where she was one of the finalists. You can reach her on LinkedIn.