Gaming and Africa’s youth: Opportunities, challenges, and future pathways

Diplo is organising a webinar that explores one of the most exciting emerging frontiers for Africa’s young population: the rise of digital gaming as a potential engine for jobs, innovation, and development.

Africa is home to the largest and fastest-growing youth population in the world, yet millions of young people struggle to secure sustainable livelihoods. At the same time, the continent’s rapid digital transformation has fuelled a vibrant gaming culture that transcends geography, class, and language. What is often labelled as mere entertainment has, globally, become a major creative industry—driving new professions, entrepreneurship, exports, and technological innovation. African youth are not only enthusiastic players; they are potential creators, developers, and competitors in a booming sector.

The conversation ahead asks a crucial question: How can Africa transform its widespread gaming culture into a productive, ethical, and inclusive economic force?

• The discussion will unpack several dimensions of this shift:
• The potential of the gaming industry to stimulate youth employment and entrepreneurship.
• How gaming can support education, psychological well-being, and positive social engagement.
• The economic promise of digital gaming as a cross-border, foreign-currency-earning market.
• The risks that come with it—addiction, unhealthy habits, gambling elements, and the absence of strong regulation.
• What policy, investment, and capacity-building interventions are needed to ensure gaming contributes to development rather than derailing it.

Ultimately, this Diplo event will explore gaming both as an industry and as a tool for learning and empowerment, as its continental potential continues to rise. Yet with that promise comes the need for thoughtful governance to address ethical challenges and safeguard Africa’s youth.