Forest Interactive Releases Esports Playbook: Promising Revenue Opportunities In Gaming For Mobile Operators In Africa

By Ron Chen, Correspondent ASEAN Region

A developer of scalable mobile platforms, Forest Interactive has released an esports playbook, titled ‘The Potential of Mobile Gaming – Revenue Opportunities for Mobile Operators in Africa’.

The playbook offers insights and guidance for African mobile operators seeking to increase subscriber growth and optimize returns on their investment in the digital voucher market. Following the rise in high-speed internet connections in recent years, online gaming, especially on mobile devices, has become more practical and accessible for people living across Africa’s emerging markets.

Key findings:

•          Africa is the only region in the world with an increasing youth population.

•          Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, Nigeria, and South Africa are the main markets on the rise in Africa.

•          Mobile gaming is expected to lead the segment with a major market share.

•          More than 70 per cent of South African youth between ages 18 and 26 have spent money on games, while most African gamers prefer mobile games as console prices are high.

•          The growing impact of microinfluencers: 30 per cent of consumers prefer products promoted by a regular person hence brands are now working with microinfluencers.

“The growth of connectivity in Africa has surpassed that of countries in Europe and Asia in recent years. The expansion of the 4G network in the region also contributed to the increased number of esports players,” said Country Manager at Forest Interactive Morocco, Houda Lahrichi.

“The esports market in Africa is a mobile operator goldmine as countless efforts have been developed by industry associations, esports league, gaming centers, and gaming shops,” added Houda.