Headed by the French Embassy in Nigeria, the esport roadmap in Nigeria is the fruit of more than 18 months of work, of a first field visit made by the president of France esport, Mr Désiré KOUSSAWO, then concretised by the signature of an agreement between the Lagos State government and the French Embassy in September 2022.
This pioneering and unprecedented agreement aims to structure an extremely dynamic and promising Nigerian ecosystem, but in search of international expertise.
Indeed, the African continent is the land of the future for a practice that is intended to reach young people first and foremost, and which is increasingly being exported to smartphones. According to the UN report on the evolution of demography on the continent between now and 2050, the African population will increase from 1.1 to 2 billion people (from 200 to 400 million in Nigeria) with a median age of around 25 years. This outlook is coupled with the increase in internet penetration on the continent. Thus, between 2020 and 2021, an increase in users of 17.5% is recorded in West Africa, and 22% for Nigeria (+ 19 million internet users).
Increasing the internet penetration rate (50% of the current population, i.e. 104 million people) is a priority for the Nigerian federal government, which has also just inaugurated the Equinao submarine cable in April 2022, leading to digital services.
Nigerian success stories at Paris Games Week:
- In March for the last 3 years, the GamrX, the biggest LAN event in the country with 10000 players and visitors, 12 invited countries and 89000 active members on their app,
- The first professional and annually contracted team was created in 2022, under the Kon10dr jersey
- The 10N8E and Game Nation events mobilise communities of over 7500 and 5000 players respectively.
Our objective with this visit of a large delegation (more than 30 professionals, players and government officials) is to initiate synergies, create partnerships and participate in the capacity building of our partners.
Tournaments to showcase the best that Nigeria has to offer:
The France Esports x Nigeria stand will organize in its three corners:
- Console:
- FIFA 23 tournament with 2 of the best Nigerian players, 3 x 2 hours, Thursday to Saturday.
- Free play slots, king of the hill invitational format, 5 x 2 hours
- Mobile: A tournament in partnership with our co-exhibitor Infinix mobile, on COD for 5 x 2 hours, with mobilisation of French players. Prizes will be awarded by Infinix (phones, accessories such as XE 25 in-ear earphones)
- and VR/Switch : a Just Dance "Sound of Africa" showcase activated by Game Nation, for 2 hours per day throughout the show.