Google Play has launched a $1 million, equivalent to about KSh129 million, Indie Games Fund to support independent game developers across Africa.
The fund, which is the first of its kind by Google Play on the continent, will support rising and innovative game studios from 32 African countries, including Kenya.
Through the programme, selected studios will receive equity-free funding, technical support and expert mentorship to help them scale their games and reach global audiences.
Google Play said the fund is aimed at addressing one of the biggest challenges facing African game developers: limited access to capital.
Although Africa is home to a growing pool of creative talent and rich storytelling, many promising game studios struggle to refine, market and scale their products due to lack of financial and technical support.
Under the programme, selected studios will receive funding ranging from $50,000 to $200,000, equivalent to about KSh6.4 million to KSh25.8 million.
The money will be given as direct, non-dilutive funding, meaning Google will not take ownership or equity in the businesses.
In addition to the funding, the developers will receive hands-on mentorship from Google experts and industry professionals.
They will also get technical guidance to help them optimise their games, improve their technical frameworks and increase their visibility in the market.
Google Play said some of the selected studios will also get opportunities to be featured prominently on the platform, giving them access to wider global audiences.
Ben McOwen Wilson, the Managing Director for Europe, the Middle East and Africa at Google Play, said the fund is part of the company’s commitment to supporting African creativity and local studios.
“Africa’s unique creativity has fuelled a vibrant game development scene,” he said.
“Bringing this fund to the continent underscores our commitment to unlocking the immense talent of local studios, providing the resources needed to scale businesses, refine creative visions, and share uniquely African stories with a global audience,” he added.
Applications for the fund are now open to independent game developers who meet the eligibility requirements.
To qualify, applicants must be officially registered and based in one of the eligible African countries.
They must also operate as private, independent studios with 50 or fewer employees.
Applicants are required to have already launched a mobile, PC or console game.
Selected studios must also commit to making their games available on Google Play and participate non-exclusively in the Google Play Pass subscription programme for two years.
The application window will close at 3pm EAT on Friday, July 31, 2026.
Google Play said the final selection and announcement of the 10 chosen studios will take place in September 2026.
The fund is open to developers from countries including Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Mozambique, Botswana, Mauritius and several others across the continent.
The launch is expected to give African game developers a stronger chance to compete globally while telling stories inspired by the continent’s cultures, experiences and creativity.
