Games Industry Africa Awards (GIAA) is an initiative to recognise, celebrate as well as promote the diverse portfolio of video games from the continent annually. The industry in Africa is largely, but still relatively nascent compared to its geographical contemporaries, however there is tangible growth which is reflected in the expansion of the awards with a new category. An acknowledgement of the pool of talent is a way to aid continuous growth as well as inspire the next generation of creators and developers. These are the 2025 nominations.

Industry Initiative of the Year

This award recognises technical, operational, grassroots or commercial initiaives over the past 12 months designed to elevate the games industry through a combination of technical and business prowess whilst galvanizing local players.

Event of the year

This award recognizes the organizations alerting the global community to the ever evolving and rich tapestry of the continent’s game development ecosystem.

  • Lagos Games Week (Nigeria)
  • AfricaComicade (Nigeria)
  • Africa Games Week (South Africa)
  • Xbox Game Camp (Multi)
  • Fak’ugesi Festival (South Africa)
  • Playtopia (South Africa)
  • Morocco Gaming Expo (Morocco)

News Highlight of the year

This accolade acknowledges the studios and individuals to have stirred up a hive of activity or interest thanks to the reveal of a game, studio update or initiative designed to spur the glocal community.  

Debut of the Year

The game, initiative, or organisation to make the largest impact over the past 12 months will be the recipient of this award.

Most Impactful Mobile Game

This award aims to recognise a mobile first project that has either through its innovative mechanics, payment method or its financial success got people talking across the length and breadth of the continent.

PC Game of the Year

This award aims to recognise a PC first project that has either through its innovative mechanics, payment method or its financial success got people talking across the length and breadth of the continent and beyond.

Team of the Year

This award recognises the achievements of a collective, group or collaborative entity that bandied together to overcome insurmountable odds and create something truly unique.

  • Unsigned Double Collective (South Africa)
  • Free Lives (South Africa)
  • Maliyo Game (Nigeria)
  • Pan African Gaming Group (Multi)
  • Leti Arts (Ghana)
  • Pressure Cooker Studios (South Africa)
  • Mekan Games

Game of the Year

This accolade recognizes the title that has either through unique game play mechanics, the lofty efforts of a unique team or by scaling commercial or/and critical heights has helped elevate the perception of what it means to be an African developed game.

Person(s) of the year

This award recognises an individual with a through a singular vision and drive has achieved significant commercial / critical success, been an unflinching champion or been a catalyst to spur the growth of the African games industry.

  • Hugo Obi (Nigeria)
  • Dominique Gawlowski (South Africa)
  • Eyram Tawia (Ghana)
  • Evans Kiragu (Kenya)
  • Teddy Kossoko (CAR)
  • Jay Shapiro (Kenya)
  • Rojeh Majer (Egypt)

Winners will be announced in December 2025.