Supercell has opened applications for the first cohort of its Developer Grants Program, introducing one of the largest equity-free funding initiatives dedicated exclusively to African game development studios. The programme offers grants ranging from US$20,000 to US$200,000, providing selected studios with capital to accelerate game development while retaining full ownership of their companies and intellectual property.

The Finnish developer, best known for titles including Clash of Clans, Brawl Stars and Clash Royale, says the initiative is designed to support legally registered studios based in Africa that are building sustainable game businesses. Unlike traditional publishing or venture capital investments, the grants are non-dilutive, meaning recipients will not be required to give up equity or IP rights in exchange for funding.

For many African developers, access to early-stage financing remains one of the industry’s greatest challenges. While the continent has seen significant growth in the number of independent studios over the past decade, many teams struggle to secure the funding needed to complete production, hire additional staff or scale commercially. Supercell’s programme directly targets this gap by focusing on the long-term development of studios rather than individual game projects.

Applications are open to legally registered game studios whose primary operations and the majority of their teams are based in Africa. Supercell has stated that it welcomes submissions from developers working across mobile, PC and console, as well as premium, free-to-play and hybrid business models. Rather than prioritising a particular platform or genre, the company says it is looking for exceptional teams, compelling creative vision and clear plans for how funding will help studios reach their next stage of growth.

Studios will be assessed across five key criteria: the strength of the team, the originality and quality of the game, evidence of an engaged player community, the potential to contribute to the wider games ecosystem and a well-defined strategy for using the grant effectively. Supercell expects to select approximately three to five studios for the inaugural cohort, with applications closing on 9 August, successful applicants notified in October and funding expected to begin in December.

The announcement also signals a broader shift in how international companies are engaging with Africa’s games industry. Rather than focusing solely on market expansion or publishing opportunities, global industry leaders are increasingly investing in the long-term development of local studios and entrepreneurial talent.

Supercell first announced its commitment to Africa’s games ecosystem in late 2025 following its participation in Africa Games Week and MaliyoCon, describing the grants programme as the next step in building long-term relationships with developers across the continent. The company positioned the initiative as a catalyst for helping African studios overcome common barriers to growth while strengthening the wider ecosystem.

The programme also arrives amid growing international interest in African game development. Earlier this month, Google Play launched its US$1 million Indie Games Fund for Africa, providing grants and mentorship to ten independent studios across Sub-Saharan Africa. Together, these initiatives suggest that major global technology and games companies increasingly view African developers as an important source of future innovation and original intellectual property rather than simply an emerging consumer market.

Applications can be done here.