Digital Entertainment Taking Africa by Storm - The Key Trends in 2025

In Summary

• Africa's Digital E&M (entertainment and media) sector is projected to grow significantly, with Nigeria, South Africa, and Kenya projected to generate $13.6 billion, $19.8 billion, and $4.8 billion, respectively, by 2028.
• The industry is projected to grow more quickly than the global average, with improved connectivity and smartphone adoption being key factors.
• Nigeria is Africa's leading country in terms of digital entertainment revenue, while South Africa has strong gaming and online advertising markets.

Deep Dive

Africa’s digital entertainment sector entered 2025 in a strong position with a lot of growth potential. The continent’s smartphone adoption and 5G rollout have not been as rapid as those of others, with infrastructure development being a more challenging task.

4G and 5G network expansion and improving broadband connectivity will be a major force that facilitates the industry's growth in Africa. A growing demographic of 18 to 34-year-olds who are more tech savvy and reliant than older generations will also drive growth and provide a larger market to tech and app developers, as well as advertisers on digital platforms.

A growing trend for local content will also help African countries' involvement on a variety of platforms grow, with influencers finding a market for content that reflects culture and experiences.

Online Casinos, Mobile Games, and eSports

Smartphones and other mobile devices have helped boost online gaming significantly, with improved connectivity facilitating gameplay on the move. Africa’s growing smartphone adoption and improved connectivity have resulted in a strong online gaming market.

Consumers can download apps that have been designed specifically for the devices they use, giving them access to a variety of game titles and online casinos. Slots sites paying real money can be accessed by players regardless of their location, opening up new revenue streams for operators and game developers.

Easier access to high-quality gaming experiences and competitions will also improve the African eSports industry, with Asian, European, and North American players currently dominating.

Streaming Platforms

The way content is consumed has changed dramatically, thanks to digital platforms, and on-demand streaming has taken over from linear TV as the most popular way to watch shows and movies. Partnerships between media companies and regional telecoms have seen a variety of subscription-based, hybrid, and free streaming platforms being launched.

Hybrid streaming platforms typically offer free-to-view content with advertising covering costs, and premium content that is ad-free and features new and specialist content.

Short-form Social Content

Social media content creation goes through different trends, but short-form content has emerged as a winning formula for creators and platforms. Instagram reels and TikTok give users a way to tune in and flick through dozens of videos, with algorithms designed to funnel content they should like directly to their feeds.

While many social media platforms allow users to interact with people from around the world, there is also a massive market for localised content that showcases creators in similar regions.

As streamers' followings grow, the ability to generate revenue improves through live streaming, platform revenue programs, and affiliate advertising.

AI Created Content

AI use among content creators and developers is on the rise, with platforms improving and providing a genuine alternative to traditional content creation. While AI has its critics, it can also help to create more impressive content without the high costs that would usually be associated with it.

Developers in a variety of industries are also making the most of AI to enhance their output, improve market analysis, and provide immersive gaming experiences for their players. Data analysis has been improved immeasurably by tech developments, helping operators personalise experiences and gauge the popularity of games, content, and other important aspects of digital content.

Ad-Based Revenue

As the African digital entertainment sector realizes its potential, advertising revenue has been able to rise faster than in other regions where opportunities have stagnated. This makes Africa a fertile atmosphere for online advertising, with social ads, video ads, and retail search ads all part of a growing market.

Digital Integration in Real World Events

Many real-world events, including music festivals and soccer tournaments, now have a digital aspect, with guides and interactive sites helping to enhance the experience for users. This comes at a time when augmented reality is also enjoying integration into existing platforms to digitise real-world settings.

Regulatory Change

One of the most important developments across African nations in terms of digital development is how individual countries legislate it. Providing secure and reliable online infrastructures involves regulation, with the monetization of many digital platforms something that needs to be monitored.

Ensuring consumers are protected by operators and platforms that offer monetization, and minimizing the risk of digital platforms and currencies being used to facilitate criminal enterprises, means that national and international regulations must complement each other.