How Leti Arts Sees Esports Driving Culture, Connection, and Opportunity in Africa

Esports is often framed as entertainment, as fast-paced competition, big audiences, and digital spectacle. But beneath the surface, a different story is unfolding, one that positions gaming as a tool for cultural exchange, education, and economic opportunity.

For Wesley Kirinya of Leti Arts, esports is already doing more than just entertaining.

“Esports brings together people from different countries and cultures around a shared experience, and from that, you get friendships, cultural exchange, and a better understanding of each other,” he told TechMoran on the sides of the Games & SDG Summit in Nairobi, Kenya.

That shared experience is what transforms gaming into something more meaningful. In a world increasingly defined by digital interaction, esports is emerging as a rare space where global communities form organically—through play.

Kirinya sees this as part of a broader truth: “Entertainment is one of the most effective ways to educate because it captures and sustains attention and esports sits right at that intersection.”

Building Africa’s Voice in Global Gaming

Within this evolving landscape, Leti Games is carving out its role not just as a developer, but as a contributor to Africa’s gaming identity.

“We’ve had some of our games featured in competitive events like the MTN-sponsored Conquest esports tournament, helping showcase African-developed content on larger stages,” Kirinya notes.

Beyond visibility, the goal is deeper participation.

“Our role is to contribute to the ecosystem by building games that people can rally around both as players and as audiences.”

That effort is part of a larger movement to ensure African stories, characters, and perspectives are not just consumed globally, but created locally.

Why Africa’s Gaming Industry Is Still Catching Up

Despite growing interest, Africa’s gaming ecosystem remains underdeveloped compared to global markets. According to Kirinya, the reasons are practical rather than conceptual.

“Games are complex to make they require a diverse skill set that, until recently, has been difficult to find across the continent.”

From programming and animation to storytelling and design, game development demands multidisciplinary expertise—something that has historically been fragmented across African markets.

There are also business model challenges.

“Monetization remains a challenge, especially where systems like mobile money are not yet fully optimized for subscription-based models,” he explains.

Still, the long-term outlook remains positive.

“It’s still a young industry in Africa, but it’s promising especially because the continent has rich stories and content that can be turned into compelling games.”

Lowering Barriers, Expanding Access

While infrastructure gaps persist, shifts in technology and work culture are beginning to level the playing field.

“Remote and online work now allows teams to collaborate across the continent, which lowers the barrier for talent regardless of geography,” Kirinya says.

At the same time, rising smartphone adoption and improving internet access are expanding both the player base and the developer pipeline.

Equally important is the rise of local esports events.

“We’re seeing more esports events being organized, and that visibility will bring more people into the industry.”

Each event, tournament, and community initiative adds momentum gradually transforming gaming from a niche interest into a recognized sector.

Policy, Reality, and What Actually Matters

When it comes to policy and regulation, Kirinya takes a pragmatic stance, one shaped by experience rather than idealism.

“If the broader economy and policies are working well, industries like gaming will naturally thrive,” he says.

Instead of focusing on industry-specific interventions, the emphasis, he suggests, should be on improving the overall business environment reducing friction, supporting innovation, and enabling entrepreneurs to build.

Gaming for Good With Boundaries

As gaming grows, so do concerns around addiction and toxicity particularly among parents. Kirinya doesn’t dismiss these concerns but reframes them.

“Anything that is abused will have negative results, it’s about intentional use.”

The responsibility, he argues, lies both with consumers and creators.

“If audiences demand games that add value, developers will respond by creating more meaningful and inclusive experiences.”

In other words, the future of gaming will be shaped by what players choose to engage with.

Unlocking What Comes Next

Looking ahead, Kirinya is clear that Africa’s gaming journey is only beginning.

“We need higher-quality production skills, better monetization models, and more localized content,” he says.

And while the industry’s full potential may still be undefined, its direction is clear.

“The potential is much bigger than what we’re seeing now we’re just getting started.”

For Africa, gaming is no longer just about play, it’s about participation, storytelling, and ownership in a global digital economy. And with studios like Leti Games pushing forward, that future is starting to take shape.