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Africa's Young, Vibrant Gaming Ecosystem is Catalyst for Economic Growth, Expert Says

The continent's gaming scene is experiencing rapid growth and influence, with one successful initiative often sparking a wave of similar ventures, Sayo Owolabi said.
Sputnik
Africa's gaming industry is developing rapidly and is essential for creating sustainable economic growth and empowering the continent's youth, Secretary General of Africa Esports Development Federation and Co-Founder Mobiele Gaming platform Sayo Owolabi told Sputnik Africa.

"That [gaming ecosystem] would go a long way for us to achieve the big picture, which is bring people in, grow the economy and definitely give people the means of sustainability and survival in terms of earning power as people within the gaming space," he pointed out.

Africa's large youth population is a driving force behind the growing gaming industry, with a high demand for new and culturally relevant content, Owolabi noted.

"Definitely our population, 70% of the continent's population, is in the youth space. And if there's anyone who's involved with these video games would definitely know, it’s the young people," he said.

The speaker also advocated for the establishment of a supportive ecosystem, including funding programs and policies that promote the creation of locally relevant gaming content. The growing global recognition of e-sports and the inclusion of Olympic Esport Games represent a significant opportunity for African gamers and developers to gain international exposure, the expert emphasized, adding that he wants to contribute to this.

"And I'm looking out for opportunities and platforms for Africans to thrive, be you a game developer, publisher, gamer or any other thing you do within the ecosystem. That's what I'm looking out for, and I hope that more people who would be a voice within the gaming ecosystem globally to speak for us and help us," he explained.