With the global video game industry valued at a staggering $300 billion, Africa’s share remains disproportionately small. At MGE 2026, industry leaders mapped out a strategy to transform Morocco into the continent's premier hub for game development and publishing.

The global video game industry is currently valued at an staggering $300 billion, dwarfing both the music and film industries combined. Yet, Africa’s share of this massive financial pie remains disproportionately small. At MGE 2026, the overarching question was clear: How can Morocco, and by extension Africa, transition from a passive market of gamers to an active hub of developers and publishers?

Industry experts at the expo highlighted that Africa boasts the youngest population in the world, a demographic dividend that translates into a massive, mobile-first gaming audience. However, monetization and local content creation have lagged. Morocco is positioning itself as the gateway to bridge this gap.

Discussions during the expo's economic panels focused on leveraging cultural heritage to create unique intellectual properties (IPs) that appeal to global audiences while resonating locally. By establishing Rabat as a "Gaming City," Morocco aims to capture a significant fraction of this $300 billion market.

The strategy relies on attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) through tax incentives while simultaneously nurturing grassroots studios. If successful, Morocco could author the blueprint for Africa’s digital economic sovereignty in the interactive entertainment sector, proving that the continent can export high-value digital cultural products.