Google Play Opens $1 Million Fund to Support African Game Studios

Google Play has launched a $1 million Indie Games Fund for Africa, giving independent game studios a new opportunity to grow their businesses and reach players worldwide.

The programme is open to developers in 32 countries across Sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, and South Africa.

The fund will support 10 game studios with grants ranging from $50,000 to $200,000 each. Unlike many investment programmes, the funding is non-equity.

This means selected studios keep full ownership of their businesses and do not have to give away company shares in exchange for the money.

In addition to funding, Google Play will provide mentorship and technical support. Developers will receive help from industry experts to improve game performance, expand their businesses, and reach more users through Google Play.

The company hopes the programme will help African studios compete on a global level.

Africa's gaming industry has grown steadily over the past few years. More developers are creating games based on local stories, culture, and experiences. However, raising money remains one of the biggest challenges for many studios.

According to the 2025 African Game Industry Report, Africa has around 250 game studios. Yet only three percent have received government funding, while about one third have taken part in accelerator or support programmes. The new Google Play fund is designed to help close this funding gap and give promising developers the resources they need to expand.

Google says eligible applicants must be registered in one of the approved Sub-Saharan African countries, have no more than 50 employees, and already have at least one published game on Google Play or another platform, such as PC, console, or another mobile store.

Selected studios are expected to use the funding to grow their games on Google Play. Successful applicants will also receive guidance on improving visibility, reaching new audiences, and building sustainable gaming businesses. Google says funded games should also be made available through Google Play Pass.

Google Play Managing Director for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Ben McOwen Wilson, said Africa has some of the world's most creative storytellers and one of the fastest-growing gaming markets.

He added that while talent is not in short supply, many developers struggle to access early-stage funding. The new programme aims to remove some of those barriers and help African studios build games that reach players across the world.

For many African developers, especially small studios working with limited budgets, the fund offers more than financial support. It also provides industry knowledge, technical guidance, and global exposure that could help turn local success into international growth.

Interested developers should apply through Google's official application page.

Application page:

Google Play Indie Games Fund for Africa application

Google has also published the official announcement with programme details.

Announcement:

Google's official announcement

Steps to apply

1. Check that your studio is eligible.
   • Your studio must be registered in one of the 32 eligible Sub-Saharan African countries.
   • Your company must have 50 or fewer employees.
   • You must have already launched at least one mobile, PC, or console game.
   • If selected, you must publish your game on Google Play and participate in Google Play Pass on a non-exclusive basis for two years.

2. Visit the official application portal.

3. Review the eligibility requirements and funding terms carefully.

4. Complete the online application form.

5. Submit details about your studio, your published game, your team, and your plans for growing your business with the funding.

6. Submit your application before 12:00 UTC on July 31, 2026.

What selected studios receive

• Equity-free funding of between $50,000 and $200,000.
• Mentorship from Google Play experts.
• Technical support to improve games.
• Business guidance to help studios reach more players worldwide.

Developers who meet the eligibility requirements can apply through Google's official Indie Games Fund portal before the July 31, 2026, deadline. Google says the 10 selected studios will be announced in September.