Mastercard Hosts Inaugural Esports Summit in Morocco to Boost Africa’s Gaming Industry

Posted : 14 November 2024

Mastercard has entered the African esports industry by hosting its first Esports Summit in Casablanca, Morocco. This event marked a significant step for the financial services company in engaging with the continent's rapidly growing gaming sector. The summit was designed to foster dialogue and collaboration among various stakeholders in the gaming industry, offering a platform for young esports enthusiasts and content creators to access essential resources and support. By facilitating this gathering, Mastercard aims to tap into the burgeoning esports scene in Africa and drive growth through strategic partnerships.

The summit attracted key figures from the finance, technology, and gaming sectors, who engaged in discussions about integrating gaming with payment solutions and mobile money innovations. The conversations also addressed the need for regulatory frameworks to support the development of Africa’s esports ecosystem. Mastercard highlighted its vision of aligning the gaming sector with financial services to enhance accessibility and streamline transactions for gamers. The event emphasized the potential of mobile payments in providing seamless experiences for the continent's young, tech-savvy audience.

Prominent speakers included Hicham El Khlifi, President of the African Esports Confederation, and Andrew Lilien, Mastercard’s Vice-President for Global Sponsorships. Representatives from Riot Games, such as Katie Cross and David Mulhall, alongside Eniola Edun, founder of the Nigerian gaming startup Gamr, also contributed to the dialogue. The involvement of the Moroccan Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communications underscored the importance of policy-making in building a sustainable esports infrastructure. Their participation highlighted the growing recognition of esports as a viable economic sector within the region.

Mastercard used the summit as an opportunity to showcase its latest payment solutions tailored to the needs of Gen Z gamers. This move aligns with the company's broader strategy to support and invest in the African gaming community. Through collaborations with industry leaders and partnerships like those with Riot Games and the Saudi Esports Federation, Mastercard aims to solidify its role in shaping the future of gaming in Africa. The company plans to continue supporting local developers and creators through events and community-led championships, aiming to build a more inclusive and innovative gaming ecosystem across the continent.

Mastercard Hosts Inaugural Esports Summit in Morocco to Boost Africa’s Gaming Industry

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