AfriGames Consortium and National Treasury partner to boost SA’s gaming industry

A team of gaming industry entities, collectively known as the AfriGames Consortium, has secured R12,9 million in funding from the National Treasury’s Jobs Fund initiative to stimulate the potential impetus of SA’s fledgling gaming industry.
The gaming industry has experienced significant growth, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.7% since 2020 and the current funding from the National Treasury is expected to further stimulate this growth.

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The Jobs Fund is a government R9 billion matching grant-making programme managed by the National Treasury and aimed at boosting employment and inclusive economic growth.
The fund operates on challenge fund principles i.e. its grant-making process is transparent, and competitive and success criteria are clearly defined and supports job creation interventions that generate sustainable employment beyond the grant-making phase.
The consortium is comprised of key players in the gaming, educational, training and content industries and with the support of the National Treasury, it aims to develop six SMMEs, create 152 jobs, and train 121 young people in the local gaming sector over the next two years.
The first-of-its-kind consortium is made up of ITThynk Gaming in Ferndale, a consulting services company and gaming ecosystem developer; the Wits University Incubator Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct, enablers of creativity which provides incubation and development for gaming start-ups; and Africa Games Week, the premium business event in Africa for the video game industry.
Also involved are the Academy of Digital Arts, an accredited education and training provider in digital arts; the Leaders in Motion Academy, which is one of South Africa’s first digital creative skills academies and production hubs; and German-based Spielfrabique, which is a catalyst for the video game ecosystem and the consortium’s international partner.

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“As an emerging force in the gaming industry, we are thrilled to join this consortium, which aims to elevate the industry to new heights. This project will unlock funding from global investors, support our growth into a commercially viable business, and help us discover opportunities for sustainability and market growth,” said the head of digital content at Tshimologong Joy Mawela.
The consortium, led by ITThynk Gaming, is driving the development of South Africa’s gaming ecosystem through various specialised roles. ITThynk Gaming, through its subsidiary, Disputed People, will focus on game development, bringing to market an epic adventure game titled Khamani, The Lion of Summer.
The Academy of Digital Arts is dedicated to game development education and training, ensuring a skilled workforce for the industry. Spielfrabique will professionalise the skills and businesses emerging from the project, adding a layer of global competitiveness.
Tshimologong will incubate game development SMMEs, providing them with the necessary support to thrive in this growing sector. Leaders In Motion Academy is producing a documentary that captures the consortium’s journey in building the SA gaming ecosystem while Africa Games Week will help to enhance market access and industry visibility.
The consortium spokesperson and CEO of ITThynk Gaming, Raymond Ledwaba said he was delighted with the Jobs Fund’s landmark investment in the gaming industry.
The project is valued at R25.8 million, with contributions from consortium members totalling R12.92 million. “We aim to change the narrative by ensuring that Africans become game producers, not just consumers,” Ledwaba added.

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