Rubik’s Digital drives pan-African push to regulate esports
Esports leaders from Kenya, Tanzania and Botswana unite to unlock a youth-driven creative economy fuelled by gaming, tech and storytelling.
Botswana.- The future of African esports just gained serious momentum. Rubik’s Digital CEO Tony Okeyo touched down in Botswana on Tuesday, 24 June, to spearhead a high-level meeting with government and regulatory authorities focused on deepening the adoption of esports in the country.
The gathering marked a key step toward formalising the sector and boosting youth participation in digital entertainment, according to BiznaKenya.
Not much was disclosed from the meeting, but it pulled together continental bigwigs, including Tanzania Esports Federation’s Peter Mshikilwa, Botswana’s Minister of Sport Jacob Kelebeng and Botswana Gambling Authority CEO Peter Kesitilwe.
The discussion revolved around harnessing the rising popularity of esports to fuel a broader creative economy that integrates art, tech and African storytelling.
To end off the week, an esports tournament is set to take place on Saturday, 28 June, with top players walking away with prizes and bragging rights.
Mirror the growth in Kenya
Botswana is looking to mirror the growth seen in Kenya, where esports is booming. The East African nation raked in $38m in gaming revenue in 2021, placing it fourth in Africa behind South Africa, Nigeria and Ghana.
According to Gaming Industry in Africa, Kenya’s esports market alone is projected to hit $8.1m in 2025, with a steady annual growth of 5.2 per cent.
Fuelled by high-speed internet, youth demand and growing infrastructure like gaming cafés and tournaments, the continent is becoming a serious player on the global gaming stage.
Rubik’s Digital has already begun mobile-first games like Ajua and Kadi, accessible through the Play Store. The games are designed for entertainment and for educational purposes.
Going forward, initiatives like this could change what it means to play, learn and earn in Africa.
