Kinshasa, DRC / Johannesburg, South Africa – 28 October 2024 – SAGES Africa (Services for Africa Gaming & Esports) proudly announces the return of the Kongo Esports Champions and Mzansi Esports Champions in 2024. Building on the success of the Swahili Esports Champions 2023 in Nairobi, these landmark events will continue to elevate Africa's female esports talent, featuring Tekken 8 competitions in Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of Congo) and Johannesburg (South Africa).

Expanding Africa’s Esports Ecosystem

The Esports Champions events are integral to a strategy by SAGES Africa and Institut Français aimed at developing Africa's regional esports landscape. This initiative began with the Sahel Esports Champions project in November 2022. Now, new efforts under the Création Africa programme, funded by the FEF Création of the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, highlight the impact of women in esports. Key projects include the Swahili Esports Champions, Kongo Esports Champions, and the Esports Talent Academy.

Event Highlights

Kongo Esports Champions 2024 will be held from 22 to 24 November at the Manga & Geek Days Festival in Kinshasa. The Mzansi Esports Champions 2024 will follow on 30 November to 1 December at the rAge Expo in Johannesburg. Both events will spotlight Africa’s elite female Tekken players, selected through rigorous qualifiers across multiple African countries.

Kongo Esports Champions 2024 Qualifiers will include:

• Kenya, Cameroon, Congo Brazzaville, Gabon, Madagascar, Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Central African Republic.

Mzansi Esports Champions 2024 Qualifiers will feature players from:

• South Africa, Eswatini, Kenya, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Namibia, and Zambia.

Spotlighting Africa’s Female Tekken Talent

Both competitions will feature eight top female players, including renowned champion Sylvia Gathoni Wahome (QueenArrow), who continues to inspire and promote gender equality in esports. The winner of each tournament will earn a $1,000 cash prize from a total pool of $2,500. Matches will be conducted in a double-elimination format and streamed live on Twitch and YouTube.

Empowering Women in Esports and Business

Beyond the excitement of competition, both events will host Business Meetings to discuss entrepreneurship in gaming, with a focus on female-led initiatives. Representatives from the African esports industry, alongside key partners like the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Institut Français, Manga & Geek Days, and rAge Expo, will drive discussions on collaboration and professional training. French trainers from the video games and esports sectors will also participate.

A Vision for African Esports

Under the leadership of Désiré Koussawo, SAGES Africa is transforming the continent’s esports industry by developing infrastructure and opportunities. “We are determined to create an environment where African esports talent can thrive and compete at the global level,” said Koussawo. Sophie Renaud, Director of Cooperation and Societal Dialogues at the Institut Français, added: “Esports is a powerful vehicle for cooperation and dialogue between societies.”

David Martinon, French Ambassador to South Africa, Lesotho, and Malawi, praised the initiative: “Esports has immense potential in Africa, showcasing the region's creativity and innovation. Supporting women in esports is vital for an inclusive future.”

About SAGES Africa

SAGES Africa is dedicated to building a comprehensive esports ecosystem across Africa. As a strategic partner of Nodwin Gaming Group, a subsidiary of Nazara Technologies Ltd. (BSE: NAZARA), SAGES Africa continues to elevate African esports talent.
For more information, visit: www.sages.africa

About French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs

The French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs manages France's international relations and cooperation, tackling global challenges like peace, development, and climate change.
For more details, visit: www.diplomatie.gouv.fr

About Institut Français

Institut Français promotes French culture globally and fosters exchanges in the arts, cinema, literature, and digital sectors.
Learn more: www.institutfrancais.com

About Manga & Geek Days

Since 2018, Manga & Geek Days has been the largest video game and comic convention in the DRC, celebrating digital culture and creativity.
Details: https://linktr.ee/mgdofficial_

About rAge Expo

rAge Expo is South Africa’s premier gaming and technology event, uniting fans for a three-day celebration of esports and digital innovation.
Find out more: www.rageexpo.co.za

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SAGES Africa Announces Esports Champions 2024
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