By Providence Ayanfeoluwa

Lagos Games Week 2026 is set to position Nigeria as a competitive contributor to the $200 billion global games industry, even as it is scheduled to hold at the National Theatre on June18 to 19.

In a statement made available to Vanguard, the organizer said that the event which is now in its third year, remains committed to its long-term goal of catalysing the emergence of African game studios capable of generating $100 million in annual revenue by 2030.

The strategy is anchored on talent development, local market activation, external development capacity, and the creation of original IP.

Recall that Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, produces over 600,000 graduates annually across engineering, design, computer science, and related fields, yet the nation’s game development ecosystem remains in early stage.

Confirming the development, Convener of Lagos Games Week and founder of Kucheza Gaming, Bukola Akingbade, said “We want the world to see us as partners in creating games that matter. We have talent, a favourable time zone, creativity, and our well-known hustle mindset but what we need are opportunities to learn and earn.”

She said this year’s edition reinforces that mission, showcasing original Nigerian IP through the Pitch Stage and Indie Games Showcase while deepening integration with the global value chain.

Akingbade further affirmed that International publishers and studios would be in attendance in sessions and creator engagements aimed at strengthening cross-border collaboration.

Highlighting the place of Nigeria in Global Games industry, she revealed that longstanding partners like the French Embassy in Nigeria, has expanded its support for 2026 while also stating that the global non-profit Global Game Jam will host the first Lagos Games Week.

Pan-African game jam, while Games for Change leads the Next Gen Summit, an initiative designed to educate, inspire, and empower secondary school students to explore careers in gaming, storytelling, and interactive technology.

Program Director for Games for Change Africa, Dr. Amy Duncan emphasised the importance of the initiative noting that the event will connect students to hands-on experiences in game design and to industry professionals, they can build skills, understand career opportunities, unlock their creativity and, most importantly, experience the power of community, inclusion, and belonging.”

Echoing similar voice, Cultural attaché at the French Embassy in Nigeria, Christophe PECOT added:

“We are proud to continue our support of Lagos Games Week and the local video games and esports ecosystem. The games industry can mobilise and strengthen Nigerian youths’ access to career opportunities, economic stability, and public engagement.”

“With submissions for the Pitch Stage and Indie Games Showcase opening in April, Lagos Games Week 2026 is shaping up to be a defining moment in Nigeria’s effort to secure its place in the global games value chain”.