The Lagos State Government has entered a strategic partnership with France to unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s rapidly growing $20 million e-sports market.
Speaking at the BusinessDay Sports Conference on Wednesday, Lekan Fatodu, Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC), emphasized the state’s commitment to fostering e-sports infrastructure, talent development, and tournament organization.
“Lagos State Sports Commission had a meeting with the French Embassy today (Wednesday) to discuss how to develop e-sports in Lagos,” Fatodu revealed.
Why E-Sports? The Fastest Growing Digital Sport.
The e-sports industry is witnessing explosive global growth. According to Statista, global e-sports revenues are projected to increase by $1.2 billion between 2025 and 2029, reaching $5.93 billion by 2029.
Nigeria’s E-Sports Market Forecast
Revenue Projection: $20 million in 2025, rising to $26.2 million by 2029.
Annual Growth Rate (CAGR 2025-2029): 6.89%.
User Base: Expected to reach 13.4 million by 2029.
Average Revenue Per User (ARPU): $1.71.
Lagos-French Partnership: A Game-Changer for E-Sports
This collaboration aims to:
Develop e-sports academies and gaming hubs in Lagos.
Identify and nurture young gaming talents.
Host global e-sports tournaments to attract international players and investors.
Enhance youth engagement through digital sports and innovation.
Fatodu noted that e-sports is no longer just a niche industry but a major force in global entertainment, rivaling traditional sports like football and basketball.
Africa’s Gaming Boom: A Billion-Dollar Opportunity
Middle East & Africa gaming revenues hit $7.2 billion in 2023.
The MENA region’s gaming audience is expected to grow from 68 million in 2022 to 87 million by 2026.
Saudi Arabia is leading the gaming expansion in the region, signaling a lucrative market for Africa.
Final Thoughts
With Lagos taking the lead in Nigeria’s e-sports revolution, this Lagos-French partnership is set to position the country as a dominant player in Africa’s digital gaming industry. By tapping into youth innovation, digital entertainment, and global investments, Nigeria is on track to become an e-sports powerhouse, creating jobs and economic opportunities in the process.
