Across the Middle East and Africa <\/strong>(MEA), esports betting is still an emerging segment but is projected to grow at around 7\u20138 per cent annually, according to Cognitive Market Research. Growth in the region is being driven by increasing smartphone penetration, improved internet access<\/strong> and a youthful audience actively engaging with digital gaming content.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many of the underlying drivers seen across MEA are equally present on the continent of Africa. High mobile penetration, expanding connectivity <\/strong>and a rapidly growing base of young users are contributing to a shift in how audiences engage with both gaming and betting products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mobile gaming dominates behaviour across emerging markets<\/strong>. In MENA, it accounts for around 80 per cent of gaming activity, according to Analysys Mason. Similar patterns are evident across African markets, where mobile devices serve as the primary access point <\/strong>for both gaming and online betting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Key markets<\/strong> such as South Africa, Nigeria and Kenya are already driving betting growth on the continent, supported by mature regulatory environments and strong operator presence. Meanwhile, countries including Ghana and Tanzania are emerging <\/strong>as fast-growing digital markets, fuelled by increasing smartphone adoption<\/strong> and expanding internet access.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The wider sports betting market<\/strong> across the Middle East and Africa is also expanding steadily, with forecasts pointing to growth of around 8 per cent annually in the coming years, according to Grand View Research and Data Bridge Market Research. This broader expansion<\/strong> is largely being driven by mobile platforms and increasing digital adoption.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For operators, this convergence presents a clear long-term opportunity<\/strong>. Many of Africa\u2019s leading sportsbooks already operate mobile-first platforms and are targeting younger demographics through product innovation and localisation, positioning esports as a potential next growth vertical.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, the expansion of esports betting in Africa is likely to remain gradual in the near term. Market development will depend on factors including regulatory clarity<\/strong>, the growth of local esports ecosystems and the ability of operators<\/strong> to tailor content to regional audiences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Despite these challenges, the structural similarities <\/strong>between African markets and the wider MEA region suggest that esports betting could emerge as a meaningful vertical over time, supported by the continent\u2019s youthful population and mobile-driven digital economy.<\/p>\n\n\nMobile-driven expansion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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