The 3rd African Gaming Expo in Lagos has concluded, with a focus on gaming and esports taking centre stage. The event saw stakeholders calling for stronger regulation, increased investment, and a clearer path to global competitiveness. Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed government support for the sector, highlighting its rapid transformation from an informal and fragmented space to a more structured and investor-friendly ecosystem.
Representatives from the Lagos State Government pointed to the rapid growth of the gaming sector across the continent. They noted that stronger regulation, advancing technology, and growing investor confidence are reshaping the industry, which now intersects with fintech, sports, and youth engagement. Industry players stressed the need for unified regulatory standards to reduce fragmentation and support cross-border expansion.
Esports emerged as a major talking point, driven by Africa's youthful population. However, stakeholders highlighted infrastructure gaps, limited funding, and policy uncertainty as key challenges slowing its growth. Fintech was central to discussions, with seamless payments and mobile-first solutions seen as critical to improving user experience and driving adoption.
Keynote speaker Peter Mebert urged African startups to scale globally, warning that weak leadership, poor expansion strategies, and limited knowledge of foreign markets continue to hold many back. By the close of the expo, stakeholders aligned on four priorities including unified regulation, increased investment, and a clearer path to global competitiveness.
The growth of gaming and esports in Africa is a significant development, and Lagos is leading the charge. The state government's support for the sector is crucial in creating a structured and investor-friendly ecosystem. However, the industry still faces significant challenges, including infrastructure gaps and limited funding. Nigerian startups must capitalize on this growth and work towards scaling globally, as urged by keynote speaker Peter Mebert.
