The future of African esports just gained serious momentum. Rubik’s Digital CEO Tony Okeyo touched down in Botswana on Tuesday to spearhead a high-level meeting with government and regulatory authorities focused on deepening the adoption of esports in the country.
The gathering marked a key step toward formalizing the sector and boosting youth participation in digital entertainment, according to BiznaKenya.
While details of the closed-door session remain undisclosed, it attracted some of the continent’s most influential figures in the space — including Tanzania Esports Federation’s Peter Mshikilwa, Botswana’s Minister of Sport Jacob Kelebeng, and Botswana Gambling Authority CEO Peter Kesitilwe.
At the heart of the discussions was a shared commitment to harness the rising popularity of esports to fuel a broader creative economy that integrates art, technology, entrepreneurship, and African storytelling — a new digital frontier for the continent’s youth.
Bizna Kenya partners with PlayOn to empower youth through digital innovation
To cap off the week, an esports tournament is set for Saturday, June 28, where top players from across the region will compete for prizes, prestige, and bragging rights — a symbolic showcase of Africa’s fast-growing digital culture.
Mirroring Kenya’s Momentum
Botswana is seeking to mirror the remarkable growth seen in Kenya, where esports and gaming have evolved from casual pastimes into serious business.
In 2021, Kenya generated $38 million in gaming revenue, ranking fourth in Africa behind South Africa, Nigeria, and Ghana. According to Gaming Industry in Africa, Kenya’s esports market alone is projected to reach $8.1 million by 2025, driven by a 5.2% annual growth rate.
Fuelled by high-speed internet, strong youth demand, and a rising infrastructure ecosystem — from gaming cafés and tournaments to streaming and digital marketing — the continent is steadily becoming a force on the global esports stage.
Rubik’s Digital has already launched mobile-first African games such as Ajua and Kadi, available on the Play Store, designed for both entertainment and education. The company’s mission is simple but ambitious: to connect play, learning, and earning — building a new model of digital participation for African youth.
Bizna Kenya and PlayOn Join Forces to Empower Youth through Digital Innovation
Building on this momentum, Bizna Kenya has announced a strategic partnership with PlayOn, a leading esports platform, to unlock new opportunities for youth through gaming, entrepreneurship, and digital innovation.
“Gaming is no longer just about play. It is a dynamic force driving creativity, community, and the digital economy. Through this partnership with PlayOn, we aim to inspire and equip the youth to win in the business of gaming and beyond,” said Tonnie Mello, CEO of Bizna Kenya.
Rubik’s Digital CEO Tony Okeyo in Botswana to deepen E-Sports adoption
The collaboration will focus on creating digital pathways for youth empowerment by combining entrepreneurship and gaming.
Key initiatives include:
- Launching business-themed gaming tournaments to build entrepreneurship awareness and digital skills.
- Introducing gamified learning experiences to make business education engaging and accessible.
- Hosting gaming showcases and digital content creation sessions at the upcoming Bizna Clubhouse — a creative space for youth, entrepreneurs, and influencers under the Bizna Kenya banner.
- Promoting inclusive digital access by targeting underrepresented and rural communities.
Commenting on the partnership, Rubik’s Digital CEO Antony Okeyo expressed optimism about the collaboration’s impact:
“Partnering with Bizna Kenya opens up new opportunities for us to deliver more value to our users. This partnership aligns with our mission to empower the youth not just as gamers, but as digital innovators and entrepreneurs.”
Since its launch, the PlayOn app, available on the Google Play Store, has rapidly gained popularity among Kenyan youth — offering a mix of competitive esports, educational content, and opportunities to earn through play.
Africa’s Next Digital Frontier
As Kenya, Tanzania, and Botswana collaborate to grow the esports ecosystem, the continent stands on the brink of a youth-led creative revolution — one where gaming, technology, and storytelling merge to shape a new digital economy.
Bizna Kenya is calling upon government agencies, private sector players, and development partners to support this digital empowerment movement by investing in the intersection of business and youth-driven technology.
“The game is on,” concluded Tonnie Mello. “Let’s build something unforgettable — for the youth, for the future, for Kenya.”
