Google Play has launched a $1 million Indie Games Fund to support emerging game developers across 32 African countries, offering equity-free funding, technical support and mentorship to help independent studios scale their businesses and compete globally.

The initiative, unveiled on Friday, is aimed at strengthening Africa’s growing gaming ecosystem by addressing the funding gap facing many local developers.

Managing Director for Europe, the Middle East and Africa at Google Play, Mr Ben Wilson, said the fund underscores Google’s commitment to unlocking Africa’s creative talent and helping developers bring uniquely African stories to global audiences.

He noted that while the continent has built a vibrant game development community, limited access to capital continues to constrain the growth of many promising studios.

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“This initiative aims at helping independent studios scale their games, attract global audiences and unlock Africa’s growing creative and digital economy,” Wilson said.

According to him, the equity-free fund will provide successful applicants with between $50,000 and $200,000 to expand their businesses and strengthen game development capabilities.

In addition to financial support, participating studios will receive hands-on mentorship from industry experts as well as technical assistance to improve game performance, visibility and market reach.

Applications are open to independent game studios registered in any of the 32 eligible African countries, including Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana and South Africa.

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Eligible applicants must be privately owned studios with no more than 50 employees and must have released at least one game on mobile, PC or console platforms.

Wilson said selected studios would also be required to publish their games on Google Play and participate, on a non-exclusive basis, in the Google Play Pass subscription programme for two years.

Applications will close on July 31, while the 10 successful studios are expected to be announced in September.