Nairobi is set to host a historic Global Cup, as Kenya has been selected by the Global Esports Federation (GEF) as its strategic esports hub in Africa.
The announcement followed a meeting in Nairobi between Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and GEF President Sir Paul J. Foster on September 8.
Foster was accompanied by a delegation led by Esports Kenya President Ronny Lusigi.
The GEF delegation briefed Mudavadi on its engagements with key government institutions and private-sector partners as preparations to expand Kenya’s esports ecosystem gather momentum.
The engagements have included the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, the Kenya Tourism Board and Equity Bank.
Nairobi to host Global Esports Cup
According to a press statement issued, a major outcome of the engagement is GEF’s decision to position Kenya as Africa’s esports hub.
The development is expected to create new opportunities for young Kenyans in gaming, technology, digital content, event management and other areas of the creative economy.
“Kenya is also preparing to host the first-ever Global Esports Cup in Africa, with Nairobi selected as the host city,” It stated.
Mudavadi welcomed the decision and assured the GEF of the government’s full support as preparations for the competition continue.
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The statement says the planned event is expected to bring competitors, officials, fans, and other stakeholders from across Africa and beyond to Nairobi.
Hosting the competition is also expected to strengthen Nairobi’s position as a destination for major international sporting and creative-economy events.
Opportunities beyond competitive gaming
The initiative is expected to extend beyond competitive gaming into technology, digital production, broadcasting, tourism, hospitality, entrepreneurship and employment.
For Kenya’s young population, the growing industry offers another avenue to turn digital skills and talent into careers and economic opportunities.
The government said it would continue working with international and domestic partners to establish Kenya as a leading African destination for innovation, sports and the creative economy.
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Mudavadi said the development aligns with government efforts to create opportunities for young people to monetise their talents and participate in the global digital economy.
“We remain focused on making Kenya Africa’s home for the creative economy,” he said.
The Global Esports Cup is expected to further raise Kenya’s profile in the international esports industry while supporting sports tourism and related economic activities.
The event will also give Kenya a platform to showcase its growing digital and creative economy as the country seeks to expand its participation in emerging global industries.
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