Google Play has introduced a $1 million fund aimed at supporting indie game developers in Africa
Google Play has announced the launch of its inaugural Indie Games Fund, dedicating $1 million to assist emerging and innovative game studios from 32 countries in Africa in scaling their games and connecting with a global audience. The fund offers capital without equity requirements, along with technical support and expert mentorship, enabling African game developers to acquire the skills and resources essential for their success.
Despite the African region being abundant in creative talent and hosting some of the most captivating storytelling globally, the lack of access to capital has frequently hindered the potential of promising game studios. This program tackles that obstacle, providing essential financial and technical resources needed for African indie developers to enhance their creative visions, improve their games, and convey distinctly African narratives to a worldwide audience.
Highlights of programme support and funding
Direct capital injection: Certain studios will be allocated a portion of the $1 million fund, with individual amounts varying between $50,000 and $200,000 to enhance and develop their games.
In addition to financial support, recipients will receive personalized, practical mentorship from seasoned industry professionals.
Technical support: Studios will obtain direct assistance to enhance their games, improve their technical frameworks, and increase market visibility.
“Africa’s unique creativity has fueled a vibrant game development scene,” stated Ben McOwen Wilson, managing director for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa at Google Play. “Introducing this fund to the continent highlights our dedication to harnessing the vast potential of local studios, equipping them with the necessary resources to grow their businesses, enhance their creative visions, and present distinctively African narratives to a worldwide audience.”
Criteria for eligibility and the associated timeline
The application process is currently available for independent game developers who fulfill the following criteria:
Applicants must be officially registered and reside in one of the eligible African countries.
Studio size and status: Applicants must function as a private, independent studio that is not publicly listed and has 50 or fewer employees.
Product portfolio and platform commitment:
Applicants should have previously launched a game on mobile, PC, or console. Selected studios are required to ensure their game is accessible on Google Play and to engage non-exclusively in the Google Play Pass subscription program for a duration of two years.
How to Submit Your Application
Applicants may examine the eligibility criteria and submit their entries via the official program portal at Indie Games Fund 2026 before the deadline at 3PM EAT on 31 July 2026. In September, we will make the final selections and announce the ten chosen studios.
The Indie Games Fund welcomes applications from individuals in Benin, Botswana, Burundi, Central African Republic, Congo (DRC), Côte d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
