Lagos Games Week returns, boosts Nigeria’s global gaming ambition
Lagos Games Week is set to return to the iconic National Theatre Lagos on June 18–19, with organisers aiming to position Nigeria as a competitive player in the global $200
Lagos Games Week is set to return to the iconic National Theatre Lagos on June 18–19, with organisers aiming to position Nigeria as a competitive player in the global $200 billion gaming industry.
Now in its third year, the event is focused on accelerating the growth of Africa’s gaming ecosystem, with a long-term target of nurturing local studios capable of generating $100 million in annual revenue by 2030.
The initiative is driven by strategies centred on talent development, market expansion, external development capacity, and the creation of original intellectual property.
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Despite Nigeria’s large talent pool—producing over 600,000 graduates annually across engineering, design, and computer science—the country’s game development sector is still at an early stage.
Speaking ahead of the event, Bukola Akingbade, convener of Lagos Games Week and founder of Kucheza Gaming, said the platform is designed to connect local talent with global opportunities.
“We want the world to see us as partners in creating games that matter,” Akingbade said. “We have talent, a favourable time zone, creativity, and our well-known hustle mindset, but what we need are opportunities to learn and earn.”
The 2026 edition will spotlight original Nigerian content through its Pitch Stage and Indie Games Showcase, while also strengthening international collaboration. Global players such as Ubisoft, Focus Entertainment, and Oceanview Group are expected to participate in panel sessions and creator engagements.
The French Embassy in Nigeria, a longstanding partner, has expanded its support for this year’s edition. In addition, Global Game Jam will host the first Pan-African game jam at the event, while Games for Change will lead the Next Gen Summit aimed at introducing secondary school students to careers in gaming and interactive technology.
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Dr. Amy Duncan, Program Director for Games for Change Africa, highlighted the initiative’s impact on young people.
“By connecting students to hands-on experiences in game design and to industry professionals, they can build skills, understand career opportunities, unlock their creativity and, most importantly, experience the power of community, inclusion, and belonging,” she said.
Also speaking, Christophe Pecot, Cultural Attaché at the French Embassy, noted that the gaming industry could play a key role in expanding opportunities for Nigerian youth.
“We are proud to continue our support of Lagos Games Week and the local video games and esports ecosystem. The games industry can mobilise and strengthen Nigerian youths’ access to career opportunities, economic stability, and public engagement,” he said.
With submissions for the Pitch Stage and Indie Games Showcase opening in April, organisers say Lagos Games Week 2026 is poised to mark a significant step in Nigeria’s push to secure a place in the global gaming value chain.
