Google has launched its first Google Play Indie Games Fund for Africa, opening applications for independent game developers in Kenya to receive grants ranging from US$50,000 to US$200,000 (about KSh6.5 million to KSh25.8 million).
The technology giant has committed a total of US$1 million to the programme, which aims to help emerging game studios expand their businesses, improve their games and reach global audiences through Google Play.
Successful applicants will receive a share of the fund, along with technical support and mentorship from industry experts to help optimize their games and improve their visibility on the Google Play platform.
Google stated that the initiative aims to tackle one of Africa’s major challenges in the gaming sector: limited access to funding.
According to the company, the issue has slowed the growth of many talented game studios, even as the continent’s creative talent continues to expand.
Eligibility and Criteria for Google’s Indie Games Fund Africa 2026
To qualify, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be an authorized representative of the organization applying for the funding.
- The organization must be registered and have a billing address in one of the 33 eligible African countries, including Kenya.
- Employ no more than 50 full-time staff and must not be a publicly listed company.
- Have developed a game that is already available on Google Play or another platform such as PC, console or other mobile platforms.
- If the game is published by another company, the application must be submitted by the developer, not the publisher. In addition, the publisher must not be publicly listed, and the combined workforce of the developer and publisher must not exceed 50 full-time employees.
- Commit to using the funding to develop and grow the game on Google Play.
- Submit the application through the official Google Play Indie Games Fund website.
- Provide additional information if requested by Google during the evaluation process.
- Maintain non-discriminatory employment and service practices, including on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Also Read: KNEC Opens Recruitment for 2026 KCSE Assessors: How to Apply Before Deadline
Further Directives
Organizations selected for funding will be required to use the grants to port their games to Android and, if they are not already available on the platform, publish them on Google Play.
Where a game has not yet been launched on any mobile platform, developers must release it on Google Play either before or at the same time as its iOS launch.
Successful applicants will also be required to make their games available on the Google Play Pass subscription programme on a non-exclusive basis for two years.
They must also confirm that neither the organization nor its officers or board members have any actual or potential conflicts of interest that could affect the application or receipt of the funding.
How to Apply for Google’s Indie Games Fund
Eligible developers can apply for the Google Play Indie Games Fund by following these steps:
- Visit the official Google Play Indie Games Fund application portal.
- Review the eligibility requirements to confirm that your studio qualifies.
- Complete the online application form with details about your game, studio, and development plans.
- Submit any additional information requested by Google as part of the application process.
- Submit your application by July 31, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. UTC.
Google said applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with only shortlisted studios invited to interviews and subsequent stages of the selection process.
The company expects to announce the 10 successful studios in September 2026.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
