January 19 – Telecoms giant Orange has furthered its involvement in the growth of eSports in Africa by launching an eFootball 2024 edition of the Orange eSport experience in Abidjan for the Africa Cup of Nations 2023.
The special edition of the tournament, focussed around Konami’s eFootball 2024, will be played over the next two days (January 19 to 20) in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, with 14 African countries competing: Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Guinea, Madagascar, Mali, Morocco, Democratic Republic of Congo, Senegal, Central African Republic, Sierra Leone, Benin, Ghana, Gabon and Togo.
The value tournament prize pool has not yet been released.
Brelotte Ba, Orange Middle-East and Africa Deputy CEO, said: “Beyond being a competition, the Orange eSport Experience embodies our perennial commitment to eSport in Africa. We have been working since 2016 to create opportunities for young gaming talents, fostering their development and contributing to the evolution of the eSport ecosystem on the continent.
“This special eFootball 2024 edition in Abidjan, alongside the AFCON 2023, illustrates our long-term vision, where eGaming becomes a vector for innovation, job creation, and the standing of African youth.”
Outside of entertainment, video games have evolved into a professional discipline that creates jobs, particularly in cybersecurity, AI and Open Innovation. Today, eSports represents a global market worth over a billion dollars.
Mamadou Bamba, Managing Director Orange Côte d’Ivoire, said: “The Orange eSport Experience is the fusion of gaming and sportsmanship, creating a captivating show for players and fans alike. Our ongoing commitment to eSport in Africa goes beyond the event, strengthening our link with connected youth and affirming our innovative and dynamic positioning.
“By supporting eSport in Africa, we are investing in the aspirations of young people, stimulating creativity, inclusion and the emergence of new talents.”
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1734870289labto1734870289ofdlr1734870289owedi1734870289sni@g1734870289niwe.1734870289yrrah1734870289