Africa is fast becoming one of the top gaming continents in the world. In a report shared exclusively with CNBC, Newzoo projects that sub-Saharan Africa will generate $1 billion in 2024, despite the global market’s 4.3% decline in revenue. This can be attributed to a few factors: increased internet connection, access to smart phones, and initiatives like ITThynk Gaming which make elevating the gaming industry in Africa their prerogative.
Co-founded by Raymond Ledwaba in 2005, the 100% black-owned company ITThynk focuses on the upliftment of youth spanning from South Africa, Nigeria, Zambia, Tanzania, and the DRC. The information, communications, and technology company branched into the world of gaming in 2021 with ITThynk Gaming, a timely move by Ledwaba, positioning the company well in a fast-growing market in Africa. For Ledwaba and his partner, ITThynk Gaming is a venture that addresses the lack of African representation in the global gaming industry. ITThynk Gaming is on a mission to establish itself as a trailblazer in the gaming and esports industry. The venture is dedicated to promoting African narratives and experiences in the global gaming landscape, filling a void that has persisted for far too long.
This mission is reflective of Ledwaba’s passion for making a difference, bridging gaps within various industries, and uplifting the African youth, creating a positive change in the lives of the youth around him. The MultiChoice Innovation Fund (MIF) played a significant role in supporting ITThynk’s mission. MIF recognized the potential of ITThynk Gaming and selected the venture as one of the beneficiaries of their program. This partnership provided ITThynk Gaming with the essential tools to enable them to further their goal of representing Africa on the global gaming stage. The MIF collaboration has been instrumental in driving innovation and change within the gaming and tech industries.
While the rest of the global gaming market is recovering from the effects of the pandemic, Africa’s growth in the market is moving against the grain, reeling in sales growth in the recent years. This is as a result of the increase in mobile gaming. The Nigerian and South African gaming market brought in $249 million and $236 million respectively in 2022. Two nations that ITThynk Gaming has a presence in. ITThynk Gaming’s model of providing story-driven role-playing games, educational games for kids, and mobile games (to name a few) is one that is sure to secure a legacy of notable growth on the continent. Their continual investment in the development of mobile games that are themed around African stories and encourage collaboration through multi-players promises to see ITThynk Gaming fast become one of the leaders in gaming market across Africa.
Raymond Ledwaba’s entrepreneurial journey is marked by a deep commitment to uplifting the youth, representation of Africa on the global stage, and a resilient spirit that drives innovation and change. Through ITThynk, he is not only making waves in the gaming and tech industries but also inspiring others to dream big and effect positive change in their communities.
