Africa’s gaming and esports future spotlighted in Rwanda at SportsBiz Cup and Forum
The inaugural SportsBiz Cup and Forum highlight Africa’s rising esports talent and the continent’s booming gaming industry.
Rwanda.- Rwanda firmly positioned itself on the map of African esports by hosting the first SportsBiz Africa Esports (SBA) Cup on September 7 and the SBA Forum 2025 from September 9 to 10. The twin events showcased the country’s rise as a hub for competitive gaming and highlighted Africa’s growing potential to compete on the global stage.
Africa’s gaming market is booming, projected to hit $2.39bn in 2025, with forecasts suggesting it could surpass $4bn by 2030. The Cup and Forum in Kigali go beyond competition, setting the stage for a new era of esports across Africa.
The Esports Cup drew eight elite competitors from Rwanda, Egypt, Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and South Sudan, battling it out in electrifying matches. South African standout Zaid April emerged victorious with a $2,500 prize. He said in a post: “Proud to have represented South Africa at the SportsBiz Africa Cup. This win is for all of us.”
Shaping Africa’s esports future
The momentum continued with the forum’s headline panel, “Esports, Gaming and the Next Generation of Athletes”. Organisers said: “The panel on Esports, Gaming & the Next Generation of Athletes spotlighted how digital sports are shaping Africa’s future.”
Panelists examined mobile gaming’s explosive growth, infrastructure challenges and the vast career opportunities within esports, including streaming, event production and coaching. Collaboration between federations, developers and investors emerged as a key theme for cultivating talent across Africa, with Rwanda demonstrating what strategic hosting can achieve.
Christian Gakwaya, CEO of Rwanda Events, said: “SBA2025 is not just about celebrating sport. It is about sparking partnerships, unlocking capital and unleashing the immense untapped potential of Africa’s sports economy.”
By hosting both the Cup and the forum, Rwanda has built a stage for Africa’s esports to thrive. Kigali 2025 could be the start of an exciting new chapter for gaming on the continent, inspiring players, fans and creators alike.
