Africa’s esports movement is gaining serious ground. The African Esports Championships: Southern Africa Region is officially set to return in 2025, once again positioning the continent’s digital athletes on the main stage of youth sports.
Scheduled to take place from July 8–9, 2025 in Windhoek, Namibia, the event will run alongside the AUSC Region 5 Youth Games, reinforcing esports as a vital part of Africa’s growing sports ecosystem. Organized by the Global Esports Federation in partnership with the African Esports Development Federation (AEDF) and the Africa Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5, the championships mark a bold step forward for African competitive gaming.
This year’s spotlight falls on eFootball™ and Street Fighter 6—two globally recognized titles that blend skill, strategy, and crowd-thrilling action. But beyond the pixels and controllers, the real story is about opportunity and progress.
“The return of esports to the AUSC Region 5 Youth Games reflects our deep commitment to youth-centered innovation,” says Tomas A. Ganda Sithole, Vice President of the Global Esports Federation and President of AEDF. “With #AEC25, we expand participation, strengthen regional collaboration, and build on the momentum of Malawi 2022—showcasing the power of esports to inspire and unite.”
From Lusaka to Gaborone, and now Windhoek, esports is no longer an afterthought—it’s a core part of the conversation around sport, youth development, and digital inclusion in Africa.
“The growth of esports in our region has been remarkable,” notes Stanley Mutoya, CEO of AUSC Region 5. “It’s a testament to the foresight of our leaders and partners who see the value in embracing new sport frontiers for our youth.”
This isn’t just about competition. #AEC25 represents a vision where African youth can lead, create, and innovate on a global scale. As more countries in the region invest in digital infrastructure, training, and policy around esports, the future of African gaming is looking not just promising—but unstoppable.
“We’re proud to continue unlocking opportunities for young people through the power of esports,” adds Paul J. Foster, CEO of the Global Esports Federation.
With Windhoek set to host the next wave of African gaming talent, the African Esports Championships are more than a tournament—they are a declaration that Africa is not just catching up in the global esports space; it’s beginning to lead.
