Two weeks ago, we announced a global partnership with Garena. The online game developer and game publisher chose Digital Virgo as partner for its international expansion – starting with Africa. Thanks to the strategic alliance, Garena integrated its Free Fire game among inwi & Maroc Telecom subscribers in Morocco. These two Telcos’ connections are just the beginning of a global partnership that Digital Virgo teams will roll out with other local Telcos in Africa and Middle East.
As experts in carrier billing and reference partners of mobile operators in the optimization of their mobile payment ecosystem, we unveil the keys to the potential of the gaming industry and the integration of a premium merchant such as Garena Free Fire for Telcos in Africa.
A great opportunity based on the right approach to a booming market and an efficient offer adapted to local realities: adapted mobile payment, premium content and global support to meet all telco’s challenges.
Why Mobile Gaming in Africa is crucial for Telcos?
Globally, mobile gaming revenues are projected to grow by a CAGR of 13.6% by 2025. On the other hand, telco revenues are projected to grow by a CAGR of 1.1% during the same period. Gaming user penetration will grow from 24% in 2021 to 30% by 2025. There is a big opportunity for telcos around the world to explore mobile gaming as an alternative way for sustainable business growth.
While we see mobile gaming growing globally, it represents an even bigger opportunity in Africa. The mobile gaming revenues in the continent will grow by a CAGR of 13.11% during the same period. Besides, mobile internet users will grow to 475 million and 4G connections will increase from 9% to 27% between 2020 and 2025.
Statistics state that Africa had 309.4 million players in 2021 and that by 2026 the number will grow to 457.1, a growth of 47.74%!
Just over five years ago, African gamers mostly played games on consoles and personal computers.
Nowadays, smartphones are the new main platform and gamers can access their favorite games anywhere.
Mobile gaming in Africa is exploding. This applies not only to the people who play, but also to those who are willing to pay.
Of the 186 million African players, 63 million already pay for games, and these African numbers are expected to be the fastest growing in the world as the continent adopts digital currencies.
Furthermore, in a continent where most of the population remains unbanked while the majority own a smartphone, the main payment method is Carrier Billing, as it is the fastest, easiest and safest way for gamers to pay for their subscription or in-game purchase.
Leveraging mobile gaming, operators across Africa will drive new revenue streams as well as ensuring the sustainability of their business.
Providing a global strategy adapted to African realities
As Carrier Billing’s preferred partner for telcos, we help them make the most of this huge market opportunity with locally adapted global mobile payment strategies.
In the case of Garena’s integration with inwi and Maroc Telecom, this milestone was achieved by understanding African realities, enriching the telco’s portfolio with Free Fire, and helping operators position themselves as a digital convergence point. A challenging position that requires an agile and constantly adapting partner. Connecting with OTT and premium merchants, optimizing the entire transaction process through an innovative DCB platform and increasing loyalty and revenue with digital content services.
Want to know more about how we approach the mobile game for telcos in Africa? Get in touch with our local experts.
