Africa's Mobile Renaissance: Gaming Time Analysis and Hidden Opportunities for iGaming 2023 2024

While Europe and Asia are reaching a plateau in mobile traffic, Africa is showing double-digit growth. We analyzed data from 2023–2024 to identify countries with the most engaged audiences. Where do users spend hours in games, and where only minutes? And how can this knowledge help casino operators increase LTV in 2025?

Geo: African Countries

Period: 2023–2024

Leaders by Total Hours Spent in Games:

1. Nigeria: 1.85 billion hours
2. Egypt: 1.6 billion hours
3. South Africa: 1.2 billion hours
   The top three accounted for about 45% of the total gaming time on the African continent.

Reasons for Leadership:

• Demographics: These three nations make up a significant portion of the continent's population with internet access.
• Developed Mobile Infrastructure: South Africa and Egypt have the highest 4G/5G penetration, allowing for "heavy" games without interruptions.
• Economic Factor: Higher disposable income allows for the purchase of smartphones capable of supporting modern games.

Leaders by Average Gaming Time Per Capita (12 Months):

1. South Africa: 16 hours
2. Morocco: 14 hours
3. Ghana: 12.5 hours
4. Kenya: 11 hours
5. Nigeria: 9.5 hours

Reasons for Dominance:

In South Africa and Morocco, gaming is an established cultural norm competing with TV. In Ghana and Kenya, the high figure is driven by the popularity of "light" casual games and betting apps, which are often classified as entertainment.

Unexpected Leaders:

Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire: Appeared in the top 10 due to the explosive growth in popularity of mobile esports titles (Free Fire, PUBG Mobile) among the youth. With few other accessible entertainment options, the smartphone becomes the main "window to the world."

Data Application for iGaming (Analytics Utility):

• Engagement Targeting: Use Per Capita time data to select markets with high tolerance for long sessions (ideal for slots). Countries with low time are better suited for quick bets (Instant Games).
• Technical Adaptation: In countries with high total volume but weak internet (Nigeria), launch "Lite" casino versions.
• Cross-Promo: Plan partnerships with publishers of popular mobile games in specific regions to attract an already "warmed-up" audience.

Conclusion:

Mobile gaming is becoming the key driver of the entire gaming industry. Operators who can offer a product mimicking familiar mobile games (gamification, social mechanics) will capture Africa's most active audience.