North Africa drives growth in MENA’s booming gaming market
North Africa strengthens its role in MENA’s rapidly expanding gaming market, driven by growing investments and a young, tech-savvy population.
Algeria.- North Africa is emerging as a major player in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) gaming boom, with countries such as Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, Libya and Tunisia benefiting from a young, tech-savvy population and growing investment. The region is home to an estimated 559 million gamers, highlighting the scale of its rapidly expanding market.
Among the most active investors in the MENA gaming market is GEM Capital, a leading international gaming and entertainment firm. With offices in Dubai and Cyprus and a portfolio of more than 25 projects across the region, Europe, the US and Israel, it shows a strong commitment to this dynamic market and has actively invested in MENA-based ventures.
Kirill Gurskiy, Managing Director at GEM Capital, said: “Today, the Middle East and North Africa region stands at a unique and powerful inflection point. While traditionally strong in other sectors, MENA’s most compelling venture capital opportunity now lies in its booming games industry.”
Investor momentum fuels MENA gaming boom
MENA’s gaming market is rapidly expanding, positioning the region as one of the world’s fastest-growing hubs for players and investment.
Gurskiy said: “This deeply engaged, tech-savvy audience represents a massive, ready-made gaming market of an estimated 559 million players, a figure nearly as large as that of North and Latin America combined and larger than Europe’s.”
Highlighting the African contribution, he added: “With North Africa part of the MENA ecosystem, the region is on the cusp of becoming a global gaming powerhouse, fuelled by its young population, investor confidence and government support.”
The MENA gaming ecosystem is thriving on multiple fronts. Initiatives in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, supported by strong government policies and growing investor interest, are attracting global companies and nurturing local talent. In August 2025, local gaming companies secured over $56m in funding, giving developers the resources to compete globally and cementing the region’s role as a dynamic hub for gaming innovation.
