Africa’s growing influence in the global gaming and creative technology industry will take the spotlight this week as Lagos hosts Gamathon 2025, the continent’s flagship convention for video games, extended reality (XR), animation, and digital media.

The six-day event, organised by Africacomicade, runs from September 29 to October 4 and marks the culmination of a continental tour that earlier took place in Kenya, Ghana, and South Africa.

Themed ‘Bridge’, this sixth edition of the annual convention focuses on strengthening collaboration across Africa’s creative sectors, unlocking investment, and creating opportunities for young innovators.

Founder, Africacomicade, Michael Oscar, said the Lagos finale is designed to consolidate the gains of the regional tours.

“Gamathon Nigeria 2025 represents the culmination of these efforts, creating bridges between regions and sectors while establishing pathways for youth empowerment, investment, job creation, and socio-economic growth,” he said.

Endorsed by the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, the Lagos State Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, and the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture, the convention is supported by partners including the UNDP, Providus Bank, Sanlam Allianz, and MSI.

Oscar said the event will bring together investors, policymakers, industry leaders, and creators to showcase innovation and build a sustainable future for Africa’s creative industries.

He stressed the importance of preparing Africa’s youth to take a leading role in shaping the industry. “The next billion players are coming from the continent. It is crucial to position our youth as creators to ensure a sustainable future for our society and economy,” he added.

Gamathon 2025 will feature workshops, co-creation sessions, masterclasses, and expert panels on entrepreneurship, intellectual property, monetization, and interactive storytelling. Business opportunities are also at the core of the program, with a pitch competition offering a $2,000 prize pool for both PC and mobile games, strategic networking sessions with investors, and an industry dinner.

The convention would include the unveiling of new titles, the introduction of emerging studios like Cregon Studios, and the launch of games from the Android Port Challenge supported by Google.

Kenyan journalist and media partner, Wendi Ndaki, said the convention is vital in documenting Africa’s progress in the global gaming industry. “What Africacomicade is doing with the continent is amazing and we need to amplify that for the world to know,” she said, noting that Africa’s creative tech ecosystem, spanning games, animation, comics, and VR, is rapidly maturing.

Ndaki added that games are becoming more than entertainment, serving as educational and cultural tools. “Games are a medium of communication, and when combined with animation and VR, they create a whole ecosystem working together toward one goal,” she said.