The Swahili Esports Champions 2023 showcased the incredible talent and potential of female gamers in Africa. Tsiaro Manuela from Madagascar emerged as the first-ever Female Swahili Esports Champion in Africa, taking home a well-deserved cash prize of $1000. The event, held at the Sarit Center Expo in Nairobi and graciously hosted by NAICCON, brought together eight formidable players from diverse African nations, including Benin, Ivory Coast, Madagascar, Senegal, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia, and Kenya.
TEKKEN was the chosen battleground for the competition, and the intensity of the battles underscored the burgeoning talent in the African esports scene. Tsiaro’s victory was closely followed by Queen Arrow, who put up a noteworthy performance and earned a cash prize of $500. Feble and Black Angel also showcased their prowess and walked away with $300 and $200, respectively. The competition demonstrated the high skill level and dedication of these talented female gamers.
The esports market in Africa is experiencing exponential growth, with Kenya alone generating a revenue of $46 Million in 2022. This is a significant milestone for the African esports community and highlights the potential for further development in the region. Desire Koussawo, President of France Esports and Founder of SAGES, expressed excitement about the just-concluded tournament and reiterated the commitment of the French embassy to support esports in Kenya.
NAICCON, a platform for African creatives in the digital arts, collaborated with the Swahili Esports Champions 2023 to empower and showcase the untapped potential of female esports players in Africa. The tournament’s success was evident with Kenyan gamers, animators, and gaming creators in attendance over the two-day exhibition. This enthusiastic response demonstrates the growing interest and support for esports in Kenya.
The Swahili Esports Champions’s aim is to stimulate entrepreneurship within the esports scene, with a specific focus on female entrepreneurship in gaming across the continent. The event provided a space for female gamers to shine and fostered meaningful conversations about the growth of the esports industry in Kenya and beyond. It is crucial to create opportunities and platforms for female gamers to showcase their skills and contribute to the industry’s development.
In addition to the TEKKEN competition, the NAICCON Convention dedicated a day to insightful discussions and professional meetings focused on the burgeoning esports sector in Africa. Distinguished guests from various sectors of the esports ecosystem participated in these discussions, fostering a comprehensive dialogue on the challenges, successes, and prospects of female entrepreneurship in the African esports landscape. The presence of Ababu Namwamba, the Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Sports and the Arts of the Republic of Kenya, along with the Esports Kenya Federation President, Ronny Lusigi and France Esports Federation, further underlined the importance and support for the Swahili esports competition.
The Swahili Esports Champions 2023, supported by SAGES Africa, Insititute Francias, and the French Embassy in Kenya, has paved the way for the growth and recognition of female gamers in Africa. It serves as a testament to the immense talent and potential in the African esports community and highlights the significant strides being made in the industry. The success of the tournament and the collaboration with NAICCON have created a platform for further development and empowerment of female gamers, sparking conversations about the future of esports in Africa.
Source: Hapa Kenya
