Safaricom has held its first-ever Gaming Conference at the Michael Joseph Centre in Nairobi, themed “Level Up Africa: Unlocking Gaming Potential in Africa.” The event highlighted how gaming is shaping Africa’s future, from eSports and game development to the role of technology, investment, and policy in expanding the industry.
Beyond industry discussions, the forum was also a celebration of pop culture, showcasing movies, music, cosplay, performances, and merchandise exhibitions. Panelists and participants explored pressing challenges, including the need for stronger policies, more developer funding, and strategies to retain African gaming talent within the continent.
Safaricom has long been a champion of the gaming ecosystem in Kenya and beyond. In 2019, it partnered with Pro Series Gaming to launch an eSports tournament for youth aged 18–26, which doubled as a mentorship platform. Two years later, the company introduced the MobiPlay Challenge via its Games Lounge service, followed by the 2024 Wai Ndai online gaming challenge that awarded daily prizes and three Suzuki Altos as grand prizes.
Earlier this year, Safaricom powered the 2025 Otamatsuri Gaming Convention with its 5G network, delivering high-speed and low-latency connectivity to enable seamless gameplay. The company’s continued investment underscores its vision of building opportunities for youth through gaming.
“Gaming is more than just play – it’s talent, creativity, and opportunity,” said Fawzia Ali-Kimanthi, Safaricom’s Chief Consumer Business Officer. “At Safaricom, we believe in powering the youth and building platforms where skills can turn into careers, innovations, and thriving communities.”
