Safaricom has hosted its first-ever Gaming Conference at the Michael Joseph Centre in Nairobi, marking a historic step in the company’s commitment to advancing Africa’s digital and creative economy. The forum, themed ‘Level Up Africa: Unlocking Gaming Potential in Africa,’ explored the fast-rising influence of gaming and its ability to shape the future of entertainment, careers, and innovation across the continent.
The event highlighted the multifaceted role of gaming, from eSports and game development to the impact of technology, policy, and investment in unlocking Africa’s gaming potential. It also served as a vibrant celebration of pop culture, bringing together fans and professionals through movies, TV shows, music, cosplay, performances, and merchandise exhibitions. This unique blend emphasized the growing intersection between gaming and mainstream entertainment in Africa.
Fawzia Ali-Kimanthi, Chief Consumer Business Officer at Safaricom, emphasized the company’s mission to empower youth through platforms that transform skills into opportunities. “Gaming is more than just play – it’s talent, creativity, and opportunity,” she said. Safaricom underscored the importance of gaming as a driver of innovation, careers, and thriving communities, while also acknowledging the challenges that must be addressed, such as policy gaps, limited investment, and the migration of African talent abroad.
The conference built on Safaricom’s long-standing support for gaming and eSports, a journey that began in 2019 with its partnership with Pro Series Gaming (PSG) to launch an eSports tournament for youth aged 18–26. This tournament provided not only a competitive platform but also mentorship and empowerment for young people interested in pursuing gaming as a viable career path.
Safaricom has since expanded its gaming initiatives, introducing the 2021 MobiPlay Challenge through its Games Lounge service, where customers engaged in competitive puzzle, arcade, and action games with enticing prizes. In 2023, the company launched the 90-day online challenge ‘Wai Ndai,’ offering daily vouchers and grand prizes that further cemented its position as a key driver in nurturing gaming culture across Kenya.
More recently, Safaricom sponsored the 2025 Otamatsuri Gaming Convention held at KICC, where it powered the entire experience with its 5G network. By providing high-speed, low-latency, and reliable connectivity, Safaricom enabled seamless gameplay and interactions, underscoring its role in shaping the infrastructure for Africa’s gaming future. With its latest Gaming Conference, Safaricom has set the stage for a more inclusive, innovative, and supportive ecosystem that positions Kenya as a gaming hub on the continent.
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