Safaricom holds first-ever gaming conference to power youth, digital creativity in Africa

The forum, themed “Level Up Africa: Unlocking Gaming Potential in Africa,” explored how gaming is shaping the future – from eSports and game development to the role of technology, policy, and investment in growing Africa’s gaming scene.

The conference was also a vibrant celebration of pop culture, featuring movies, TV shows, music, cosplay, performances, and merchandise exhibitions.

“Gaming is more than just play – it’s talent, creativity, and opportunity. At Safaricom, we believe in powering the youth and building platforms where skills can turn into careers, innovations, and thriving communities,” said Fawzia Ali-Kimanthi, Chief Consumer Business Officer at Safaricom.

The event also sparked conversations about challenges in the industry, including the need for stronger policies, increased investment for developers, and support to prevent African talent from moving abroad.

Safaricom has been a long-standing supporter of the gaming and eSports ecosystem through its youth-focused platforms and sponsorships.

In 2019, the company launched an eSports tournament in partnership with Pro Series Gaming (PSG), targeting youth aged 18–26 who were exploring gaming as a career path. The tournament doubled up as a mentorship and empowerment platform for both casual and avid gamers nationwide.

In 2021, Safaricom introduced an online gaming competition for customers using its Games Lounge service. The eight-week MobiPlay Challenge saw customers compete in simple puzzles, arcade, and action games with daily and weekly prizes, as well as a grand prize.

Last year, Safaricom launched a 90-day online gaming challenge dubbed “Wai Ndai” that rewarded customers with daily cash vouchers totaling KES 500,000 and a grand prize of three Suzuki Altos.

More recently, Safaricom sponsored the 2025 Otamatsuri Gaming Convention held at KICC, where it powered the entire experience through its 5G network. Participants enjoyed high-speed, low-latency, and reliable connectivity, enabling seamless gameplay and online interactions.