Level Up – Gaming and Violent Extremism in Africa aims to deepen understanding of online harms in gaming spaces, particularly in the context of violent extremism. As gaming becomes increasingly social — especially through online mobile multiplayer titles with in-game chat — the potential for terrorist and violent extremist exploitation continues to grow.

Africa, the largest and fastest-growing gaming region globally, is particularly relevant in this regard, given that it is already heavily affected by terrorism. By 2030, Sub-Saharan Africa alone is expected to reach 751 million mobile-phone owners, the vast majority using smartphones. Riding this digital wave, the continent now counts around 349 million gamers, generating US$1.8 billion annually. With analysts predicting that “the next billion gamers will be African,” this growth presents significant opportunities but also emerging security risks.

Global trends show how terrorists and violent extremists have begun to leverage gaming spaces to spread propaganda, recruit, livestream attacks, launder funds, and weaponize gender-based harassment. 

At the same time, law enforcement capacities, platform moderation in diverse languages, and safety standards in gaming cafés remain limited. Yet there is still a critical window to integrate safety measures before large-scale exploitation takes hold.

This report frames the gaming landscape in Africa and examines online harms, as well as the ways in which violent extremist actors may exploit gaming environments for propaganda, recruitment, and financing. It also identifies strategies and actions to prevent and address these phenomena. In particular, it proposes a strategic framework built around three complementary pillars: Prevent, Detect, and React.

Prevent
Prevention focuses on building safer gaming environments from the outset. This includes establishing hubs to support safety initiatives, strengthening safeguards in gaming cafés, and promoting more inclusive online spaces. Encouraging gender-responsive design and industry standards can help limit harmful behaviours that violent extremists may exploit.

Detect
Early detection relies on empowering communities and improving technological tools. Training Trusted Community Moderators and enhancing moderation capacities can help identify concerning behaviours and emerging threats more effectively.

React
A rapid and coordinated response is essential when risks materialize. Providing clear referral ensures that concerning cases are addressed promptly. In contexts with limited services, accessible de-escalation resources offer an alternative safety net.

There exists a brief but meaningful opportunity to shape a safer and more resilient gaming landscape before terrorism and violent extremism expands their presence in digital gaming environments. By institutionalizing Prevent–Detect–React measures early, governments, studios, telecom operators, civil society, and global platforms can preserve the positive social potential of Africa’s gaming boom while reducing the risk of exploitation by violent extremist groups.

This publication represents a timely contribution to safeguarding gaming spaces and harnessing their potential to support peace, security, and development across the continent.