In a landmark move to strengthen international ties in the creative and cultural industries (CCI), the French Embassy in Nigeria sponsored a Nigerian delegation to Gamers Assembly 2025, one of Europe’s most significant esport & video games events.
The initiative, which took place from April19–21, 2025, in Poitiers, France, underscored France’s ongoing commitment to fostering collaboration between the two nations, particularly in the rapidly expanding video games and esports sector.
The delegation comprised 14 leading Nigerian video games and esports companies, with 10 delegates that showcased the vibrancy of Nigeria’s video games ecosystem and engaged with international partners. Additionally, four delegates embarked on a 10-day immersive internship at the event, gaining invaluable hands-on experience in key industry disciplines such as event project management, exhibition coordination, event management, content creation, television production and technical operations.
The delegates were selected from some of Nigeria’s most innovative video games and esports companies, including 10N8E, AfricaComicade, Deluxe Creation Studios, Game Evolution Partners, Gamer, Kon10dr, Kucheza Gaming, Maliyo Games, Xane Studios, alongside Infinix Nigeria, a professional esports player and ecosystem supporters. Their participation highlighted the diverse talent and entrepreneurial spirit driving the Nigerian video games industry forward.
“This is an exciting moment for the Nigerian video games industry,” said Désiré Koussawo, honorary president, Association Futurolan (Gamers Assembly).
Christophe Pecot, the audiovisual attaché of the French Embassy in Nigeria added: “France has a rich history in video game development and esports, and this initiative is a tangible step toward fostering stronger economic and creative collaboration between our two countries.”
Nigeria’s video games and esports sector has seen remarkable growth in recent years, with local studios, content creators, and tournament organisers gaining international recognition. With Gamers Assembly celebrating its 25th anniversary, the Nigerian delegation accelerated that trajectory by providing Nigerian professionals with direct access to leading European industry figures, cutting-edge technology, and best practices in video games and event management.
“Gamers Assembly is the largest esports LAN event in Europe and an invaluable platform for learning and connection,” said Olubukola Akignbade, founder and CEO of Kucheza Gaming. “The opportunity to gain first-hand experience in key industry areas will equip Nigerian video gaming professionals with the skills and relationships necessary to drive the sector forward at home.”
The collaboration between France and Nigeria in the video games space aligns with broader efforts to enhance cultural exchanges and business opportunities within the CCI. With the global video games industry poised for continued expansion, initiatives like the esport & video games mark an important step towards positioning Nigeria as a key player in the international video games ecosystem.
However, the support to the Nigerian Cultural & Creative Industries was made possible through specific funds. This year again, the programme called “Creation Africa” enables us to support entrepreneurship in the culture sector.
