Mastercard has strengthened its position as a key player in Africa’s burgeoning gaming industry by hosting its first-ever Africa Esports Summit in Casablanca. This landmark event marks a crucial step in Mastercard’s mission to empower Africa’s esports and gaming ecosystem, underscoring its strategic focus on supporting digital economies and fostering the continent’s gaming landscape.
With a young and rapidly expanding population, Africa is emerging as one of the world’s most promising gaming markets. Over 60% of the population is under 25, a demographic ripe for digital engagement. The continent’s gaming culture is booming, with nearly 200 million gamers, 95% of whom play on mobile devices. In 2022, in-app purchases in Sub-Saharan Africa reached $778.6 million, with forecasts predicting the region’s gaming industry to exceed $1 billion in consumer revenue by 2024. Mastercard’s Africa Esports Summit aims to capitalize on this growth by supporting the gaming and esports sectors through technology, innovative payment solutions, and strategic partnerships that empower the next generation of African gamers.
“As gaming gains traction across the continent, Mastercard is proud to support Africa’s young, mobile-driven population by fostering an inclusive and innovative gaming ecosystem. Through initiatives like this summit, Mastercard not only demonstrates its commitment to this vibrant market but also enables vital partnerships that will fuel the future of gaming in Africa. The Mastercard Africa Esports Summit is a cornerstone in our mission to deliver secure, accessible payment solutions that drive economic opportunities for Africa’s digital generation,” said Mohamed Benomar, Country General Manager of North West Africa at Mastercard.
Mastercard’s strategy in Africa focuses on empowering the next generation of African gamers, creators, and developers through various initiatives, including participation in major events like the League of Legends World Championships, Valorant tournaments, community-led esports competitions, and partnerships with global esports brands such as Riot Games. By offering resources, mentorship, and secure payment solutions, Mastercard supports the growth of African gamers from grassroots participation to the competitive esports arena.
“Africa’s gaming community has enormous potential for digital innovation and financial inclusion. Through events like this summit, Mastercard is creating platforms for collaboration, elevating Africa’s unique gaming landscape, and fostering cross-sector partnerships that will shape the future of esports in the region. We entered the gaming sector as a passion project in 2018, and we are now leveraging our global expertise to bring African gamers closer to the broader gaming world,” said Kamini Redhi, Marketing & Communications VP for Africa at Mastercard.
The summit attracted numerous industry leaders from finance, technology, and gaming, featuring a series of impactful sessions on the economic opportunities within the gaming sector. Key speakers included Hicham El Khlifi, President of the African Esports Confederation, Andrew Lilien, Mastercard’s Vice President for Global Sponsorships, Katie Cross and David Mulhall from Riot Games, and Eniola Edun, founder of the Nigerian gaming startup Gamr. Representatives from the Moroccan Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communications also highlighted the role of policy in supporting esports infrastructure and promoting sustainable growth. The discussions focused on aligning gaming with payment innovations, mobile money solutions, and the need for regulatory frameworks to support Africa’s evolving esports ecosystem.
Hicham Khlifi remarked, “This summit is a pivotal moment for esports in Africa. By bringing together key stakeholders from the financial and gaming sectors, we are laying the groundwork for a thriving esports industry across the continent. Mastercard’s leadership in these discussions is instrumental in securing the investments and partnerships needed to scale the industry and support Africa’s gamers.”
The Africa Esports Summit also highlighted Mastercard’s cutting-edge payment technologies designed for Gen Z gamers seeking seamless engagement in the global gaming economy. The event has firmly positioned Mastercard as a leader in shaping the future of gaming and payments in Africa. Going forward, Mastercard’s involvement in Africa’s gaming industry will continue to empower players, partners, and policymakers to unlock the full potential of esports across the continent.
