Senegal has signed a partnership to organize Efest Africa, an international gaming and esports event in Dakar, signaling the country’s ambition to position itself as a regional technology and innovation hub. The agreement, signed on February 13, 2026, involves the Senegalese Gamers Association and the Ministry of Communication, Telecommunications and Digital Affairs.
The collaboration establishes a framework for the design, promotion, and organization of the event, aiming to showcase public and private initiatives, support local startups, attract international investors, and enhance youth employability in digital and gaming sectors. Officials highlighted that the initiative aligns with the government’s New Technological Deal strategy, which seeks to make Dakar an African innovation pole.
Alioune Sall, present at the signing, said the framework will reinforce Senegal’s technological profile on the continent. Under the agreement, SENGAMES will coordinate the project and mobilize partners, while the ministry will provide institutional support, technical assistance, and governance participation.
The move comes as Senegal’s gaming sector grows rapidly. A 2025 SENGAMES study estimated the national video game market at CFA49 billion (US$88.5 million), with about 1.7 million regular players, roughly one in ten Senegalese. The initiative is intended to further structure the ecosystem, promote local content creation, and attract investment into the nascent sector.
Across Africa, gaming and esports are expanding thanks to a young, connected population and increasing mobile internet access. Countries such as Egypt, Nigeria, and South Africa dominate the continent’s market, collectively accounting for more than half of its total value, driven by smartphone adoption and improved connectivity. Initiatives like Efest Africa aim to ensure Senegal becomes a competitive player in the continental digital economy, leveraging the growing global interest in gaming and technological innovation.
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Senegal’s digital economy is rapidly evolving, with gaming and esports emerging as key growth sectors. Fueled by increasing smartphone penetration, improved internet connectivity, and a young, tech-savvy population, the market has expanded significantly. According to a 2025 study by the Senegalese Gamers Association, the national video game market reached CFA49 billion (US$88.5 million), with approximately 1.7 million regular players, representing nearly 10% of the population. Spending includes purchases of games, microtransactions, and digital services.
The government has sought to structure and formalize the gaming ecosystem, promoting local content creation, investment, and skill development. Under the New Technological Deal strategy, Dakar is being positioned as a regional innovation hub, aiming to attract international investors, support startups, and increase employment opportunities in digital and creative industries.
Efest Africa represents a cornerstone of these efforts, providing a platform for networking, mentorship, and collaboration among entrepreneurs, investors, and institutions. The event aligns with broader trends across Africa, where countries like Egypt, Nigeria, and South Africa dominate the gaming and esports market, driven by rapid mobile adoption and increased internet access.
The initiative also reflects a continental push to develop a competitive digital economy, tapping into Africa’s growing gaming audience and leveraging technology for innovation, youth employment, and exportable digital content. By hosting Efest Africa, Senegal seeks to cement its status as a leading technology hub in West Africa and expand its role in the global esports and gaming ecosystem.
