A new era for the African Gaming Industry, The AfriGames Consortium launch
A transformative wave in the African gaming has began: The AfriGames Consortium, a groundbreaking coalition of 6 gaming industry partners, has officially launched to drive South Africa into the global digital entertainment space.
The AfriGames Consortium official launch was a success, hosted at Goethe Institut on Thursday, 10 October 2024. The event was attended by media houses such as SABC Sports, Radio 2000 and more, to share the collaborative journey of the African gaming industry partners.
The AfriGames Consortium extends its gratitude to core supporters like Multichoice, funders such as EOH, Jobs Funds and the government departments that came to support the launch. The keynote speakers included John Vlismas, Joy Mawela from Tshimologong, Sizeka Mbunda from Department of Sports, Arts and Culture, Ntombi Makwetu from Department of Communications and Digital Technologies, Thato Molamu from LIMA and Nick Hall from Africa Games Week.
The vision of the AfriGames Consortium was sparked by a question that lingered in Raymond’s mind “Why don’t we have African video games that are household names like FIFA or Fortnite?” Driven by this vision, Raymond alongside co-founders Robin Bleekers and Neo Rathebe, established ItThynk Gaming in 2021.
AfriGames Consortium’s vision is to address the critical economic challenges from a South African gaming perspective, develop SMMEs, increase the technological skills and innovation, putting South Africa in a global digital and entertainment market. The consortium is a collaboration of 6 partners which includes:
- ItThynk Gaming– the project managers of the consortium, develops African inspired games and runs internship and training programs.
- Tshimologong– provides incubation, funding, mentorship and market access for early-stage gaming SMMEs.
- Spielfabrique– an international partner that offers mentorship and professionalisation support for local developers.
- Academy of Digital Arts– training students in game designs and development through bursaries
- Africa Games Week– giving market access and networking opportunities to beneficiaries and a platform to connect with global investors.
- Leaders in Motion Academy– producing documentaries that tell the story of South Africa’s gaming industry, raising awareness, and celebrating SA talent.
This collaboration is funded through the National Treasury that managed the grant program Jobs Fund, EOH and ABSA. It secured R12.9 million funding from National Treasury’s Jobs Fund initiative, matched by the consortium members adding up to R25.8 million.
Since the beginning of the project in May 2024, the consortium has achieved remarkable milestones: creating 41 jobs, incubating 3 startups, and provided bursaries for 8 students.
To continue thriving in the ecosystem, the Afrigames Consortium has collaborated with the government departments like the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies and the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture. These departments will help in setting up a multistakeholder Gaming Advisory Committee report and coordinating efforts between the public and private sector.
The consortium aims to develop 6 SMMEs, create 152 jobs and train 121 young people in the local gaming sector for the next 2 years. In addition to this, the Afrigames Consortium is in partnership with the first ever gaming festival event, Joburg Games Fest, which will showcase the local gaming scene. This will take place at Goethe Institut on the 26th October 2024. “With support from Goethe Institute and other partners, we’ve established the festival as a platform for the gaming community to meet, exchange ideas, and showcase their talents,” said Raymond.
The AfriGames Consortium continues its journey to put South Africa at the forefront of global gaming, industry professionals, investors and gaming enthusiasts are invited to join in redefining Africa’s place in digital entertainment.
For more information about the AfriGames Consortium and to stay updated on upcoming projects that they will be working on with the partners, check out their website and social media platforms on the links below:
Website: https://afrigames.co.za/
Instagram: @theafrigames https://www.instagram.com/theafrigames/
Facebook: @Afrigames Consortium https://www.facebook.com/afrigamesconsortium
LinkedIn: @AfriGames Consortium https://www.linkedin.com/company/afrigames-consortium/posts/?feedView=all
