African women turning gaming into a living

Africa's video gaming industry is booming. The sector generated more than $1 billion in revenue in 2024, with mobile gaming making up around 90% of the market, according to KPMG. Although the industry has long been dominated by men, more women are entering the space, building careers as content creators, professional gamers and esports competitors. But breaking into the industry isn't always easy. Many female gamers continue to face abuse and harassment online. So what is it like to be a woman in Africa's gaming community? And why are more young Africans choosing gaming as a full-time career?

Focus on Africa's Nkechi Ogbonna speaks to 30-year-old Techna from South Africa, who left her job to become a full-time gamer, and 25-year-old Saphra from Kenya about the opportunities, challenges and future of gaming on the continent.

Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna
Producers: Fana Negash, Carolyne Jotham, Bella Twine and Brian Khisa
Senior Producers: Keikantse Shumba and Priya Sippy
Technical Producer: Davis Mwasaru
Editors: Rhoda Odhiambo and Maryam Abdalla