Google Play has launched its first Indie Games Fund for Africa, committing $1 million to support independent game studios across 32 African countries as they scale their businesses and bring African-made games to global audiences. The initiative provides equity-free funding alongside technical support and mentorship, reflecting Google’s growing investment in Africa’s expanding gaming and digital creative economy.
The fund is designed to address one of the biggest barriers facing African game developers: access to growth capital. Selected studios will receive between $50,000 and $200,000 each, together with hands-on guidance from industry experts to strengthen game development, improve technical capabilities, enhance discoverability, and prepare their products for international markets.
According to Ben McOwen Wilson, Managing Director for Europe, the Middle East and Africa at Google Play, Africa’s growing gaming ecosystem is powered by exceptional creativity and innovation. He noted that the new fund demonstrates Google’s commitment to helping local developers refine their ideas, grow sustainable businesses, and share uniquely African stories with players around the world.
To qualify, applicants must be registered private game studios based in one of the 32 eligible African countries, employ no more than 50 people, and have already launched a mobile, PC, or console game. Successful studios will also make their games available on Google Play and participate on a non-exclusive basis in the Google Play Pass subscription programme for two years.
Applications close on July 31 at 3:00 PM East African Time through the official programme portal, with the 10 selected studios set to be announced in September. The initiative represents another important step in strengthening Africa’s digital economy by supporting local innovation, encouraging entrepreneurship, and helping homegrown game developers compete on the global stage
