In a landmark move aimed at strengthening international ties in the creative and cultural industries (CCI), the French Embassy in Nigeria has sponsored a Nigerian delegation to the prestigious Gamers Assembly 2025. The assembly is one of Europe’s biggest esport and video games events. The three day event which kicked off on the 19th of April will end today, 21 April, 2025, in Poitiers, France.
This initiative underscores France’s ongoing commitment to fostering collaboration between both nations, particularly in the rapidly expanding video games and esports sector.
The delegation consists of 14 leading Nigerian video games and esports companies, with 10 delegates that will showcase the vibrancy of Nigeria’s video games ecosystem and engage with international partners.
Additionally, four delegates will embark on a 10-day immersive internship at the event, gaining invaluable hands-on experience in key industry disciplines such as event project management, exhibition coordination, event management, content creation, Television (TV) production and technical operations.
The delegates were selected from some of Nigeria’s most innovative video games and esports companies, including 10N8E, AfricaComicade, Deluxe Creation Studios, Game Evolution Partners, Gamr, Kon10dr, Kucheza Gaming, Maliyo Games, Xane Studios, alongside a professional esports player and ecosystem supporters, Infinix Nigeria. Their participation highlights the diverse talent and entrepreneurial spirit driving the Nigerian video games industry forward.
“This is an exciting moment for the Nigerian video games industry,” said Désiré Koussawo, Honorary
President, Association Futurolan (Gamers Assembly). Christophe Pecot, the audiovisual attaché of the
French Embassy in Nigeria added: “France has a rich history in video game development and esports,
and this initiative is a tangible step toward fostering stronger economic and creative collaboration between both countries.”
Nigeria’s video games and esports sector has seen remarkable growth in recent years, with local studios, content creators and tournament organisers gaining international recognition. With Gamers Assembly celebrating its 25th anniversary, this delegation aims to accelerate that trajectory by providing Nigerian professionals with direct access to leading European industry figures, cutting-edge technology and best practices in video games and event management.
“Gamers Assembly is the largest esports LAN event in Europe and an invaluable platform for learning and connection,” said Olubukola Akignbade, founder and CEO, Kucheza Gaming. “The opportunity to gain first-hand experience in key industry areas will equip Nigerian video gaming professionals with the skills and relationships necessary to drive the sector forward at home.”
The collaboration between France and Nigeria in the video games space aligns with broader efforts to enhance cultural exchanges and business opportunities within the CCI. With the global video games industry poised for continued expansion, initiatives like this mark an important step towards positioning Nigeria as a key player in the international video games ecosystem.
This support to the Nigerian Cultural and Creative Industry was made possible thanks to specific funds. This year again, the program, Creation Africa, continues to support entrepreneurs in the cultural
and Creative industries. This fund has been entrusted for 18 months by the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs.
