By Benadeta Mwaura - Reporter
Kenya, July 3 , 2026 - Kenyan independent game developers now have an opportunity to secure grants of up to KSh25.8 million (US$200,000) after Google Play launched its first-ever Indie Games Fund for Africa, a US$1 million (about KSh129.5 million) initiative aimed at accelerating the growth of Africa's gaming industry.
The programme targets independent game studios across 33 eligible African countries, including Kenya, with Google seeking to address one of the biggest barriers facing the continent's gaming ecosystem, limited access to funding. Selected studios will receive equity-free grants ranging between US$50,000 (about KSh6.5 million) and US$200,000 (about KSh25.8 million), alongside technical support, mentorship and business development opportunities.
Google said the initiative is designed to help promising African developers improve their games, expand their businesses and reach millions of users worldwide through the Google Play platform.
"Africa's unique creativity has fuelled a vibrant game development scene. Bringing this fund to the continent indicates our commitment to unlocking the immense talent of local studios," said Ben McOwen Wilson, Managing Director for Google Play in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
To qualify, applicants must be registered companies with a billing address in one of the eligible African countries, employ no more than 50 full-time staff, and have already developed at least one game available on Google Play or another platform such as PC, console or mobile.
Developers whose games are published by another company may also apply, provided the application is submitted by the developer and the combined workforce of both the developer and publisher does not exceed 50 employees.
Successful applicants will be required to use the funding to grow their games on Google Play. Where a game has not yet been released on Android, developers must publish it on Google Play before or simultaneously with its iOS launch. Selected studios will also participate in the Google Play Pass subscription programme on a non-exclusive basis for two years.
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Applications officially opened on July 1 and will remain open until July 31, 2026, with Google expected to announce the 10 successful game studios in September after a competitive selection process that includes application reviews and interviews.
Industry observers say the initiative could provide a significant boost to Kenya's fast-growing digital creative economy, where game developers have increasingly gained global recognition but often struggle to access venture capital and early-stage financing. The funding is expected to help local studios refine their products, strengthen technical capabilities and showcase African stories to international audiences.
Eligible developers can submit their applications through the official Google Play Indie Games Fund portal before the July 31 deadline.