Google Play Launches $1m Indie Games Fund for African Studios
Google’s digital marketplace, Google Play, has launched a $1 million equity-free fund aimed at supporting independent game development studios across 32 African countries as part of efforts to strengthen the continent’s fast-growing gaming ecosystem.
The Indie Games Fund will provide between $50,000 and $200,000 in capital to 10 selected studios, alongside technical support and mentorship from global industry experts.
Applications are currently open and will close on July 31, with successful studios expected to be announced in September.
Despite rapid growth, Africa’s gaming industry continues to face major funding challenges. The 2025 African Game Industry Report estimates there are about 250 game studios across the continent, yet only 3% have ever received government funding, while just 33.3% have participated in accelerators or structured support programmes.
The continent’s gaming market is now valued at approximately $2.29 billion, but many developers still struggle to access the capital needed to scale, reflecting a widening gap between market potential and investment availability.
“Bringing this fund to the continent underscores our commitment to unlocking the immense talent of local studios, providing the resources needed to scale businesses, refine creative visions, and share uniquely African stories with a global audience,” said Ben McOwen Wilson, managing director for Europe, the Middle East and Africa at Google Play.
Google said selected studios will also benefit from hands-on mentorship, technical support, and optimisation guidance to improve game performance, discoverability, and distribution on Google Play. Participation in the Google Play Pass programme will also be required on a non-exclusive basis for two years.
Eligible applicants must be privately owned studios with 50 or fewer employees, registered in one of 32 African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Applicants must also have already launched at least one mobile, PC, or console game.
While large-scale funding remains rare in Africa’s gaming sector, highlighted by South African company Carry1st’s $27 million raise in 2023, this initiative is expected to help bridge the financing gap and improve global visibility for emerging studios.
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