Gamathon, a pan-African initiative by Africacomicade, continues to grow as a platform for game developers, animators, storytellers and tech creatives to showcase their work, connect with industry leaders and explore opportunities for funding and collaboration. Launched in Nigeria in 2020, the event embarked on its first continent-wide tour in 2025. It started in Kenya and will later be followed by Ghana, South Africa and a return to its home base in Nigeria.
During the 2024 edition of Gamathon, Africacomicade founder Oscar Michael captured the mission behind the tour: “Before we go to the Global West, we really need to fix ourselves. This event is not about talks or presentations. It’s about connection, collaboration and speaking to each other to figure out how we can go cross-border. There’s so much we can do together.” This vision set the tone for the inaugural stop of the four-country tour in Nairobi, Kenya.
That collaborative spirit defined the Kenyan edition. It underscored the power of building with intention, community and shared purpose. As Wendi Ndaki, founder of WAI Network and part of the Kenyan organizing team, put it: “Our African forefathers and mothers knew what they were saying. When they reminded us if you want to go fast, go alone. But if you want to go far, go together.”
Make money
Over four days, Kenya’s game development community hosted a wide range of talks, presentations and networking opportunities. Several key voices stood out:
Evans Kiragu, founder of Mekan Games, reflected on the success of their breakout title: “We’re a team of about five developers, and only three of us worked on The President. It’s our biggest title to date. We released it in August 2022, and today it has 23 million downloads. At launch, it was the number one game in 27 countries around the world. And it was made right here in Kenya! So, to me, it’s proof of what we can achieve as an industry. Just because we’re small doesn’t mean we can’t go global.”
Pamela Mutembei, Investments Director at HEVA Fund, encouraged creators to shift their mindset: “We currently have the Thrive by Ota Fund open and another program called Sanara. Creators, please start seeing your innovations as businesses. That’s the biggest thing. Make money out of it. Create structures around it, so you can be investable.”
David Kamunyu shared the origins of the Interactive Entertainment Association of Kenya: “Back in early 2024, a group of developers, studios and other stakeholders turned to the need for a representative body. One that could protect stakeholders when the government eventually starts paying attention to the sector. A lot of people were consulted, and many dedicated their time and effort to making this happen.”
21st century skills
Gamathon Kenya also featured the inaugural Meridian Nairobi Meetup, hosted at the offices of BlackRhinoVR. The event brought together mobile developers, designers and product teams to explore extended reality (XR) and spatial computing. Brian Afande, Co-Founder and Managing Director of BlackRhinoVR, introduced MediAR, their no-code AR platform developed in Kenya.
He emphasized the importance of leveraging emerging technologies: “These are 21st-century skills. You’ve seen what’s happening with AI and the future of jobs. They’re changing. The sooner you understand where the future is going by virtual trajectory, the better. That’s how you create what we call critical separation. It’s what separates you from another artist. Are you leveraging technology? Or do you have a visual aesthetic that sets you apart?”
AI and job security
Ruth Nduta, founder of Africa HackNest, tackled the topic of AI and job security head-on: “They mentioned entry-level jobs earlier. And yes, that’s where a lot of automation is happening. But I beg to differ. AI is not taking jobs. People using AI will take your job.” Her comment reframed the conversation from fear to opportunity.
The first Gamathon Kenya edition was widely seen as a success. The tone was professional yet relaxed. Conversations were candid, insightful, and collaborative. Attendees engaged deeply, challenged ideas, and found time to connect over merch, playtests, snacks and shared ambitions. It felt like a creative family reunion, one where everyone was rooting for each other’s growth.
Next up: Gamathon 2025 heads to Ghana, South Africa and finally back to Nigeria.