This weekend began the African Cup of Nations bringing together several African countries around football, and it is also taking place virtually on the continent. State of play of e-sport in Africa on the occasion of the CAN.
If football is a national sport throughout the world, even more so at the moment in Africa with the CAN, we find the same enthusiasm among the continent’s players. And to kick the ball virtually, they head to Fifa, the most famous football game, but also e-football!
E-sport in Africa has real potential for the continent. On the English-speaking side, those who are far ahead are Nigeria, Morocco and Egypt. The French-speaking players who stand out in the competitive practice of video games are Senegal with the Sen Games association which organized the very first official tournament in the region in 2012.
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In 2017, several associations and entities such as Orange, Sen Games and the World Gaming Federation joined forces to create the equivalent of the CAN e-sport version in Gabon. The e-sport CAN is born and brings together eight countries and more than a thousand players. This tournament has become essential since it brings together fans every year and propels players to the international scene. Ivory Coast has also launched into e-sport with the Feja (African Electronics and Video Games Festival) by Sidick Bakayoko.
For e-sport to evolve in Africa, we need even more investment and support from the State, but also from corporate sponsors, like Orange who organize the event themselves every year.Orange e-Sport Experience. Often, it is international institutions such as the French Institute or the Goethe Institute which sponsor these events, because it remains difficult to convince investors. For good reason, video games are still struggling to be seen as an economic sector that generates employment.
Other challenges encountered by the development of e-sport in Africa: internet connection, material costs and the unavailability of servers on the continent. Disadvantages which can disadvantage African players in international competition.
African figures carrying e-sport
And yet several players shine internationally, like Queen Arrow, Kenyan player sponsored by Redbull gaming or even VerixSenegalese champion of UFA (Ultimate Fighting Arena) on Guilty Gear Strive in 2023, who also traveled to EVO in the United States to prove himself.
Recently in Kenya, the event Swahili Esports Champions brought together eight African players in competition. This proves that the international esports scene is also growing and that there are opportunities for female players.
Let’s put it into perspective, the enthusiasm around African e-sport in football is certainly not as strong as the African Cup of Nations, but it is making progress and for enthusiasts, e-sport remains a great opportunity to expand their favorite center of interest.
Also listenThe rise of e-sport!