African gaming and esports may have reached a turning point, and Safaricom is leading the charge. The company recently hosted its first-ever Gaming Conference at the Michael Joseph Centre in Nairobi, drawing together gamers, developers, influencers, investors, and pop culture fans for a day that blended learning, creativity, and entertainment.
Themed “Level Up Africa: Unlocking Gaming Potential in Africa”, the conference highlighted the growing role of gaming in shaping Africa’s digital future. The program went beyond esports and game development, diving into technology, policy, and investment as critical drivers of growth.
“Gaming is more than just play – it’s talent, creativity, and opportunity. At Safaricom, we believe in powering the youth and building platforms where skills can turn into careers, innovations, and thriving communities,” said Fawzia Ali-Kimanthi, Chief Consumer Business Officer at Safaricom.
Through initiatives such as the Spark Accelerator, Safaricom has made clear its intent to move from sponsorship to ecosystem building—funding startups, supporting creators, and ensuring gamers’ voices are heard.
The conference also gave the stage to gamers whose stories reflect the realities of Africa’s esports scene. Brian (theeBeast) shared how gaming became a lifeline for him in Kibera, offering purpose and a sense of belonging. Shirley traced her esports journey back to playing with her brothers at home, a passion that has since evolved into professional competition. Their experiences underscored the determination, sacrifice, and resilience needed for African gamers to rise in an industry still in its early stages on the continent.
Industry leaders on various panels raised pressing issues: How can policy keep pace with gaming’s growth? What protections exist for African gamers? And how do we prevent global platforms from abandoning the region, as Twitch recently did in Kenya? Another key concern was the persistence of outdated gambling laws that continue to blur the line between gaming and betting, undermining recognition of esports as a discipline of creativity and innovation.
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While the Gaming Conference marked a milestone, it is not Safaricom’s first foray into esports. In 2019, the company partnered with Pro Series Gaming (PSG) to launch an esports tournament targeting youth aged 18–26. In 2021, it rolled out the MobiPlay Challenge through Games Lounge, an online gaming competition with weekly and grand prizes. Two years later, it unveiled the Wai Ndai Challenge, a 90-day competition with cash prizes and cars up for grabs. More recently, Safaricom powered the 2025 Otamatsuri Gaming Convention with its 5G network, enabling seamless, low-latency gaming experiences for thousands of participants.
By launching the Gaming Conference, Safaricom has sent a clear signal: gaming and esports are no longer on the margins in Africa. With its infrastructure, resources, and influence, the company is uniquely positioned to empower developers, fund startups, strengthen esports leagues, and elevate African stories through gaming.
