Maliyo Games has followed through with their hugely ambitious survey project to chart the African games industry in the form of a robust African Games Industry Report.

The report is a culmination of a survey that was conducted and initially revealed earlier in 2023. The survey received 118 respondents which included a mix of studios (35%), indies (35%), employees within studios (12%) and hobbyists (18%) from across the African continent.

The 70 page resource promises critical insights and actionable analysis, aiming to stimulate investment and growth in the games ecosystem across the continent. Through qualitative and quantitative data, the report provides a window into Africa’s growing game development ecosystem, for investors, policy makers, game development studios, game enthusiasts, and the general public.

Survey Key Findings

Lagos, Nairobi, Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Accra emerged as the central hubs for game development in Africa. Although Nigeria had the highest number of respondents, only 16% were formal game studios. 80% of studios that received any form of investment, raised less than $100K.

Additionally, only nine studios generated over $100K in revenue in 2022, South Africa (3), Kenya (2), Nigeria, Cameroon, Tunisia, and Senegal (1 each). 73% of studios who completed the survey employ less than 10 people. The gender gap in the industry is a big issue with only 11% female respondents.

A review of the reports value added chain illustrates the ecosystem from a purely mobile centric perspective

A scarcity of comprehensive reporting, insights and analysis obstructs decision-making for investors and leads to a skewered view of the markets true potential. An initiative of this kind is necessary and another step into validating the many efforts of creators across the length and breath of the continent.

Maliyo Games founder, Hugo Obi has indicated his desire to make this report a bi-annual project, with the survey to be conducted once a year. To learn more about the report, the Mailyo Games team will be in Nairobi on December 4th 2023 for its formal launch. Signups to the event can be done here.

For those planning to be at GDC in 2024, there will be another chance to pose questions to Hugo and his team. The full report can be accessed via the website – https://africagamesreport.com/