The Senegalese Gamers Association and the Ministry of Communication, Telecommunications and Digital Affairs signed a partnership agreement on February 13 in Dakar to organize Efest Africa, an international event dedicated to gaming, esports, technological innovation, and digital transformation in Senegal.
The agreement outlines the framework for planning and executing the event, which aims to showcase public and private initiatives, promote local start-ups, attract international investors, and enhance youth employability in the digital and gaming sectors. Alioune Sall emphasized that the collaboration seeks to strengthen Senegal’s position as an emerging technology hub in Africa under the government’s New Deal Technologique strategy.
Under the partnership, SENGAMES will coordinate the project, mobilize partners, and manage communication, while the ministry will provide institutional support, technical guidance, and participation in governance bodies.
Gaming is an expanding sector in Senegal’s digital economy. A 2025 SENGAMES study estimated the national video game market at CFA49 billion ($88.5 million), with about 1.7 million regular gamers, representing nearly 10 per cent of the population. Events like Efest Africa aim to structure the ecosystem, promote local content creation, and attract investment to the nascent but fast-growing industry.
At the continental level, Africa’s gaming and esports market is driven by a young, connected population and increasing mobile internet access. According to Carry1st and Newzoo, Egypt, Nigeria, and South Africa lead the continent, accounting for more than half of the total market value.
