NAIROBI, Kenya — The heart of Africa’s esports scene shifted to Nairobi on Thursday as the city officially launched the PUBG Mobile Africa Esports Championship at City Hall.
The event, graced by Deputy Governor James Muchiri, was billed as more than a tournament—it was a bold statement about the city’s ambitions to cement its place as a digital innovation hub.
Nairobi’s Big Bet on Esports
In his keynote, Deputy Governor Muchiri framed the championship as a catalyst for Nairobi’s growing digital economy.
He emphasized that esports is more than entertainment—it represents a fast-rising industry with the potential to generate jobs, fuel startups, and empower young people across the continent.
“This is good for our youth because it will give them an opportunity to make a living, an opportunity to learn new skills, meet new people, and build stronger relationships—not just within Nairobi or Kenya but across Africa,” Muchiri said.
The county leadership, he added, is committed to policy support and long-term investment in gaming and digital entrepreneurship, setting the stage for Nairobi to become Africa’s esports capital.
Industry Voices Rally Behind the Championship
The launch also drew leading voices from the region’s gaming and tech sectors. Ronny Lusigi, president of Esports Kenya, applauded the move, noting that Nairobi is uniquely positioned to lead esports in Africa thanks to its infrastructure and connectivity.
“It just shows you that esports is taking root here,” Lusigi said. “Nairobi is the best place to do this—we have the strongest connections compared to our peers.”
Officials from the county’s Digital Economy and Innovation Department pledged to align public policy with private sector efforts to grow the esports ecosystem.
Meanwhile, Infinix Kenya, the tournament’s official gaming phone partner, unveiled its latest high-performance devices, underlining the role of cutting-edge tools in helping players compete globally.
The Road to the Global Stage
The PUBG Mobile Africa Esports Championship brings together 16 elite teams from across the continent, all battling for a prize pool of USD $8,000.
Beyond the cash, the stakes are even higher—winners will secure a coveted slot at the PUBG Mobile Global Championship, one of the most prestigious events on the international gaming calendar.
The finals will unfold on September 13 and 14 at Charter Hall, Nairobi, marking the city’s first time hosting a continental esports final.
Organisers anticipate a strong turnout of fans and significant media coverage, further spotlighting Nairobi as a hub for competitive gaming.
A Defining Moment for Africa’s Esports
The championship is more than just a tournament—it’s a signal that Africa’s esports industry is entering a new chapter. By hosting such a landmark event, Nairobi is positioning itself not only as a digital economy hub but also as a cultural bridge connecting Africa’s youth with the global gaming community.
For many in the industry, Thursday’s launch marked the start of something bigger: a future where Africa is not just participating in global esports but shaping its direction.
