Speaking at SiGMA Africa 2025, CEO of African Cyber Gaming League (ACGL) Nick Holden addresses the key challenges in African esports. He highlights challenges such as limited infrastructure, high data costs and access to hardware. ACGL have boosted their efforts to build a free to access platform, integrate esports into schools and universities and explore the use of AI for both performance analysis and anti cheat systems. Holden’s vision centres on creating a sustainable and inclusive esports ecosystem across Africa as a whole.
Infrastructure challenges
Infrastructure remains the backbone of any thriving esports environment, yet in many parts of Africa, particularly within southern regions like South Africa, connectivity remains costly and unreliable. Holden points out that even compared to Kenya, data prices in South Africa are significantly higher, stifling access for emerging players. To bridge this divide, ACGL is focused on providing consistent tournament opportunities and building partnerships with local communities to foster structure and sustainability. By investing in accessibility and leveraging existing community frameworks, ACGL is addressing the need for both digital and organisational infrastructure.
Leveraging AI
As artificial intelligence reshapes various industries, esports is no exception. Holden describes AI’s growing role in performance analytics, noting that post game data offers vital insights into player strategies and decision making. Although not yet fully implemented in African esports, ACGL is exploring how AI can support coaching, highlight players strengths and weaknesses and automate repetitive admin tasks such as answering frequent questions. This allows staff to focus on deeper engagement while enhancing player development. Despite this, Holden emphasises, “Naturally, we do also love the human touch and I don’t think that that needs to step away even inside of the gaming space.” Holden maintains that AI should complement and not replace the human element that defines the gaming community.
Online tournament integrity
Cheating and match fixing are global concerns in competitive gaming and online tournament integrity is particularly vulnerable without proper enforcement tools. Holden highlights how AI can be a game changer here too. Through micro movement detection and pattern recognition AI can flag irregular behaviours like auto aim usage, offering a more secure environment for honest competition. “It may seem unintuitive.” he explains, “but even something as small as mouse movement helps differentiate between human and bot input.” By embedding AI into anti cheat systems, ACGL aims to level the playing field for all competitors.
Driving technological advancements in Africa
Central to ACGL’s mission is maintaining a free to access platform. Holden emphasises that free access is not a limited time offer but a foundational principle. Recognising the financial hurdles many African gamers face, ACGL ensures that economic limitations do not become barriers to participation. The organisation is also deeply involved in integrating esports into schools and universities. This not only cultivates young talent but also establishes parallel pathways for coaching, event organisation and broader career development. As Holden states, “We’re excited about not only esports, but the opportunities that come with it.”
In building Africa’s esports ecosystem, Nick Holden and ACGL are not only hosting tournaments, they are laying down the groundwork for a digitally inclusive future wherein competition, education and community intersect to shape a new era of African gaming. For further insights into Africa’s ever evolving gaming landscape, check out our next SiGMA Africa summit taking place in March 2026 in South Africa.
