Africa’s gaming sector is growing fast, led by Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa. Together, they generated more than $600 million in 2024, according to PricewaterhouseCoopers’ (PwC) Africa Entertainment and Media Outlook 2025–2029 report. PwC, a global professional services firm offering audit, consulting, and advisory insights across industries, noted that gaming and esports are now central to Africa’s entertainment revenue expansion.
PwC said, according to Broadcast Media Africa: “South Africa generated $296m in gaming revenue in 2024, with a projected CAGR of 4.6% through 2029. Nigeria earned $176m, boasting the highest growth rate among the three at 7.4% CAGR, while Kenya contributed $153m, growing at 6.9%.” This growth and projections demonstrate the fast expansion of mobile gaming and esports across the continent, positioning these countries at the forefront of Africa’s digital entertainment economy.
PwC’s report highlighted that the surge is fuelled by “rising smartphone adoption, improved internet connectivity and digital payment solutions,” which make mobile and online gaming more accessible. Esports tournaments are thriving in South Africa, Nigeria’s mobile gaming sector continues to attract global investment, and Kenya’s influencer-driven, mobile-first gaming platforms are capturing younger audiences at scale.
The National Gambling Board (NGB) recently reported that South Africa recorded a gambling turnover of R1.5 trillion ($86 billion) in the 2024/25 financial year. This turnover marks a substantial rise from R1.1 trillion in 2023/24. According to the NGB, the increase was driven by the growth of online betting, which accounted for 60% of the country’s gross gambling revenue (GGR). The figures were presented to the Portfolio Committee on Trade, Industry and Competition on Wednesday, 15 October 2025.
Gross gambling revenue reached R75 billion ($4.3 billion) in 2024/25, up from R59.3 billion the previous year. Betting, including online betting, contributed around 70% of this total at R52.3 billion. Casinos accounted for R16.6 billion ($951.3 million), representing 22% of the total GGR. These figures underscore how digital channels are reshaping gambling and gaming in South Africa, driving sustained revenue and regulatory focus.
Beyond gaming, Africa’s wider digital entertainment industry surpassed $1 billion in 2024, combining revenues from gaming, live music, and OTT (over-the-top streaming). PwC projects that by 2029, Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa will add nearly two million new OTT subscriptions. South Africa is expected to retain more than 75% of the regional market share, reflecting the growing synergy between gaming and streaming audiences.
These numbers point to a continent undergoing a digital entertainment revolution. Mobile innovation, esports, and gaming culture are shaping Africa’s creative and technological landscape. With Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa leading the charge, Africa’s gaming and digital entertainment markets are set for sustained and transformative growth.
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