Global Esports Federation Chief Visits Kenya as Country Pushes to Become African Esports Hub

Global Esports Federation President and CEO Sir Paul J. Foster has completed his first official visit to Africa, holding talks in Kenya on international tournaments, dedicated esports infrastructure and new opportunities for the country's growing gaming community.

Kenya is seeking a larger role in the global esports industry following a three-day working visit by Global Esports Federation (GEF) President and CEO Sir Paul J. Foster from September 7 to 9.

The trip was Foster's first official visit to Africa in his current role and brought together the GEF, Esports Kenya Federation, government officials, tourism authorities and private-sector representatives. Discussions focused on developing Kenya's competitive gaming ecosystem and strengthening its connections with the international esports industry.

One of the key meetings took place with Kenya's Cabinet Secretary for Creative Economy, Youth Affairs and Sports, Salim Mvurya. The government said it would support the responsible development of esports and explore dedicated gaming facilities and a modern esports arena. Kenya is also seeking opportunities to host major GEF competitions, including events from the Global Esports Tour ecosystem.

For readers outside esports, such facilities perform a similar role to specialised sports venues: they provide professional spaces for competitions, live audiences, broadcasting and player training. Developing this infrastructure could make it easier for Kenya to attract international events rather than limiting local players to competing abroad.

Foster's delegation also met the Kenya Tourism Board. The organisations discussed using esports to promote Kenya internationally, attract gaming events and create opportunities for young players, content creators and technology businesses. A partnership involving the GEF, Esports Kenya and the tourism board is also expected to increase the visibility of the Magical Kenya tourism brand within international esports activities.

The visit comes as Kenya's competitive gaming scene gains greater visibility in Africa. Kenyan players already compete internationally in titles including football and other popular esports games, while local authorities see the country's large, young and digitally connected population as a potential foundation for further industry growth.

The GEF itself works with national federations to develop esports standards, player support programmes and international competitions. Its increased engagement in Africa could therefore affect not only tournament opportunities but also governance, athlete development and recognition of esports organisations across the continent.

No major international event has yet been formally detailed by the GEF as a direct result of Foster's visit. However, the talks indicate that Kenya wants to move beyond simply producing competitive players and become a regional location for tournaments, investment and esports infrastructure.

If those plans translate into facilities and regular international events, Foster's first African visit could mark an important step in Kenya's attempt to establish itself as one of the continent's main esports hubs.