Gaming in Morocco: The Morocco Gaming Expo Aims for 1% of the Global Video Game Market by 2030
The Morocco Gaming Expo, recognized as the first event of its kind on the African continent, is emerging as a strategic lever to structure and develop the video game industry in Morocco and across the continent.
Speaking in Rabat at the opening of the third edition of the expo, Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication, Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, emphasized the growing importance of this sector in the national economic landscape.
A Rapidly Growing Sector in Morocco
The minister noted that the global gaming industry is worth over 300 billion dollars, making this field a strategically expanding market.
For Morocco, the stated objective is ambitious: to capture approximately 1% of the global revenue from this sector by 2030-2032, through the development of a competitive and innovative local ecosystem.
A Rapidly Growing Landscape of Moroccan Gaming Startups
According to the data presented, Morocco has seen a notable evolution in its gaming ecosystem, with a rapid increase in the number of specialized startups.
While there were only three to four such startups in 2022, there are now over 40 actively engaged in video game development and related services.
Some organizations have also experienced significant growth, evolving from individual projects into structured small teams, while others now employ up to 20 to 30 collaborators.
A Sector Creating Jobs and Added Value
The government views the gaming industry as a strategic sector capable of generating qualified jobs and contributing to the growth of the cultural and digital economy.
This momentum aligns with a broader vision aimed at positioning Morocco as an emerging player in the creative industries on an international scale.
International Interest in Moroccan Talent
As the guest of honor at this edition, British video game developer Erin Roberts praised the Morocco Gaming Expo as a prime platform for meeting young Moroccan talents.
He expressed interest in engaging with local creators, highlighting the significance of passion and perseverance for success in the video game industry.
Encouraging Independent Creation
Addressing young Moroccan developers, the expert encouraged independent video game creation, reminding them that it’s possible to succeed without relying exclusively on large international publishers.
He stressed the necessity of believing in one’s ideas, persevering, and developing innovative projects to contribute to the growth of the gaming industry in Morocco.
Gaming as a Strategic Lever for the Moroccan Economy
With the rise of the Morocco Gaming Expo and the gradual structuring of the local ecosystem, Morocco is reaffirming its ambition to become a regional hub for video games.
This sector is now viewed as a driver of growth, innovation, and job creation, capable of enhancing the Kingdom’s international standing in the cultural and digital industries.
