The role of digital payments in Kenya’s online gaming market

Kenya’s online gaming market has grown significantly in recent years, driven by the increasing availability of mobile devices and internet connectivity. With the rise of online gaming platforms, there has been a growing need for convenient and secure payment methods, leading to the growth of digital payments in Kenya.

According to Statista Market Forecast, the digital payments market in Kenya is projected to grow by 14.10% between 2024 and 2028, resulting in a market volume of US$14,540.00m in 2028. This growth can be attributed to the increasing adoption of mobile money services and other digital payment platforms, making it easier for Kenyans to transact online.

As the online gaming market in Kenya grows, digital payments will likely play an increasingly important role in facilitating transactions between gamers and gaming platforms.

With the convenience and security of digital payments, gamers can easily top up their accounts, pay for in-game purchases, and withdraw their winnings. As such, the growth of digital payments in Kenya is expected to be closely tied to the growth of the online gaming market.

Evolution of Online Gaming in Kenya
Historical Context and Growth

Online gaming in Kenya has been growing steadily, driven by the increasing availability of digital platforms and the country’s tech-savvy youth population. The industry’s growth can be traced back to the early 2000s when the country’s first online casino was launched. Since then, the industry has continued to grow, with the increasing adoption of mobile devices and the internet.

Kenya’s online gaming market is estimated to be worth USD 1.9 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 3.33 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 11.62% during the forecast period. The industry’s growth has been driven by the increasing number of users, the availability of affordable smartphones, and the growth of digital payments.

Impact of COVID-19 on Online Gaming

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the online gaming industry in Kenya, as more people are staying at home and looking for ways to entertain themselves. The pandemic has increased the number of users, with many people turning to online gaming as a way to pass the time.

The pandemic has also led to the growth of digital payments, with more people using mobile money and other digital payment platforms to make payments for online gaming services. This has made it easier for people to access online gaming services and has increased revenue for online gaming companies.

Digital Payments Landscape in Kenya
Dominance of Mobile Money

Kenya is a leading country in digital payments, with mobile money services being the primary payment method for most Kenyans. According to a report by McKinsey, over 80% of the adult population in Kenya uses mobile money services, with M-PESA being the most popular platform. This mobile money dominance has been facilitated by the country’s high mobile phone penetration and the convenience of mobile payments.

Influence of Financial Inclusion

Digital payments have played a significant role in promoting financial inclusion in Kenya. Mobile money services have allowed millions of unbanked Kenyans to access financial services, such as savings and credit facilities. This has led to economic empowerment and improved living standards for many Kenyans.

Adoption of Cryptocurrencies

Kenya has also witnessed an increasing adoption of cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, as an alternative payment method. This has been facilitated by the growing interest in blockchain technology and the need for secure and efficient cross-border payments. However, the use of cryptocurrencies in Kenya is still limited, and regulatory frameworks are yet to be established to govern their use.

The digital payments landscape in Kenya is characterised by the dominance of mobile money, the influence of financial inclusion, and the growing adoption of cryptocurrencies. This has created opportunities for B2C enterprises to tap into the growing online gaming market in Kenya, which increasingly relies on digital payments.

Kenya’s Online Gaming Market Analysis
Market Volume and User Penetration

The Kenya online gaming market has been experiencing significant growth in recent years. According to data analysts at JeffBet, the market size is expected to register growth during 2021-27. The outbreak of the global COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase in the swashbuckling growth of the Kenya online gaming market as the nations go for lockdown to win the bid to combat the spread of the novel coronavirus.

According to Statista Market Forecast, the online gaming market in Kenya is projected to grow by 10.74% (2024-2027), resulting in a market volume of US$30.38m in 2027. The user penetration rate in the online gaming segment is expected to reach 4.8% by 2024.

Segmentation by Gaming Verticals

The Kenya online gaming market is segmented into various gaming verticals, including online casinos, sports betting, and online casino games such as slots and football. The online casino segment is expected to hold the largest market revenue share during the forecast period. The sports betting segment is also expected to grow significantly due to the increasing popularity of sports in the country.

Comparative Analysis with Other Markets

The Africa Gaming Market size is estimated at USD 1,921.42 million in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 3,329.14 million by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 11.62% during the forecast period (2023-2028), market research shows. Nigeria and South Africa are the largest online gaming markets in Africa, with Nigeria accounting for 29.3% of the total market revenue in 2021.

The Kenya online gaming market is still relatively small compared to other global markets. However, it is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years, driven by the increasing popularity of online gaming and the growth of digital payments in the country. India and Japan are two of the largest online gaming markets globally, with India expected to reach a market size of USD 1.1 billion by 2021.

Technological Advancements and User Engagement
Rise of Smartphones and Internet Access

Kenya’s population has been experiencing a rapid increase in smartphone ownership and internet access in recent years. This has led to a surge in the popularity of online gaming, as more and more people can access digital platforms and engage with entertainment content online. According to a Hootsuite and We Are Social report, Kenya has a 43% internet penetration rate, with 21 million active social media users. This presents a huge opportunity for digital payments to play a critical role in the online gaming market.

Innovations in Digital Payment Systems

The rise of digital payments in Kenya has been driven by innovations in payment frameworks, such as those offered by Cellulant. These frameworks have made it easier for consumers to make online payments and, as a result, have contributed to the growth of the online gaming market. In addition, digital payment systems have been instrumental in improving user engagement in the gaming industry. By providing seamless and secure payment options, digital payments have helped to increase consumer spending on online games.

Social Media’s Role in Gaming Promotion

Social media platforms have played a significant role in promoting online gaming in Kenya. Events such as Social Media Week have brought together key players in the industry to discuss the latest trends and innovations in the sector. Social media platforms have also been used to promote gaming events and tournaments, engage with consumers, and provide them with updates on the latest games and payment options. This has helped to increase user engagement in the industry and contributed to the growth of the online gaming market in Kenya.

Regulatory Framework and Taxation
Government Policies and Taxes

The Kenyan government has tried to regulate the digital payments industry to ensure it operates within the legal framework. The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has been at the forefront of regulating digital payments, ensuring the industry is safe and secure for users. The government has also implemented policies to encourage businesses to adopt digital payments, which has increased revenue for the country.

Digital payments have been subject to the same taxes as traditional payment methods. However, the government has introduced tax incentives to encourage businesses to adopt digital payments. For instance, the government has waived the 16% value-added tax (VAT) on mobile money transactions below Kshs 1,000 to encourage more people to use mobile money services.

Compliance and Legal Challenges

Businesses operating in Kenya’s digital payments industry must comply with the regulatory framework put in place by the CBK. The regulatory framework is designed to ensure that digital payments are safe, secure, and efficient. Businesses must also comply with the legal framework, which includes data protection laws, consumer protection laws, and anti-money laundering laws.

However, compliance with the regulatory and legal framework has challenged some businesses. This is because the regulatory framework is constantly evolving, which makes it difficult for businesses to keep up with the changes. Additionally, there have been cases of businesses operating in the digital payments industry in Kenya that are non-compliant with the regulatory and legal framework, leading to fines and other penalties.

Despite the compliance and legal challenges, the digital payments industry in Kenya continues to grow, driven by the increasing use of mobile money services and the growing demand for digital payments in the online gaming market.

Overall, Kenya’s regulatory framework and taxation policies are designed to encourage the growth of the digital payments industry while ensuring that businesses operate within the legal framework. However, businesses in the industry must be aware of the compliance and legal challenges they may face and take steps to ensure that they operate within the regulatory and legal framework.

Market Forecasting and Future Trends
Predictive Analysis and Forecasting Techniques

Analysts use various forecasting techniques to predict the growth of the digital payments market in Kenya’s growing online gaming industry. These techniques include trend analysis, regression analysis, and time-series analysis. These methods help identify patterns and trends in the market, which can be used to predict future growth rates and market size.

Based on these techniques, the digital payments market in Kenya’s online gaming industry is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.10% between 2024 and 2028, resulting in a market volume of US$14,540.00m in 2028.

Potential Impact of Global Events

Global events, such as the Russia-Ukraine war and exchange rate fluctuations, can significantly impact the digital payments market in Kenya’s online gaming industry. For instance, the devaluation of the Kenyan shilling against the US dollar can decrease digital payment providers’ revenue per user.

However, despite these potential challenges, the digital payments market in Kenya’s online gaming industry is expected to grow steadily. Africa’s electronic payments market is expected to grow by 152% from 2020 to 2025. The increasing adoption of digital payments in the region and the growing popularity of online gaming drives this growth.

Global Comparison

Compared to other regions, the digital payments market in Kenya’s online gaming industry is still in its early stages. However, the market is expected to catch up with other regions in the coming years. For instance, the digital commerce market in Kenya is projected to grow by 6.45% (2024-2028), resulting in a market volume of US$3.98bn in 2028.

The future of the digital payments market in Kenya’s online gaming industry looks promising. With the increasing adoption of digital payments and the growing popularity of online gaming, the market is expected to grow steadily in the coming years.

Strategic Partnerships and Business Opportunities
Collaboration with Telecoms and E-Commerce

Kenya’s digital payments landscape has grown significantly in recent years, driven by the increasing adoption of mobile and internet technologies. With the growth of the online gaming market in Kenya, there are numerous opportunities for strategic partnerships between digital payment providers, telecoms, and e-commerce companies. The telecoms industry, in particular, has played a crucial role in the growth of mobile money services in Kenya, making it a natural partner for digital payment providers.

Collaboration with e-commerce companies can also significantly boost Kenya’s digital payments industry. E-commerce companies have a strong online presence and a large customer base, making them ideal partners for digital payment providers looking to expand their reach. By partnering with e-commerce companies, digital payment providers can offer services to a wider audience. In contrast, e-commerce companies can benefit from the convenience and security of digital payments.

Expansion into New Business Verticals

The growth of the online gaming market in Kenya has created new opportunities for digital payment providers to expand into new business verticals. Airlines, ride-hailing companies, and online travel agencies are just some industries that could benefit from adopting digital payments.

By partnering with these industries, digital payment providers can offer their services to a wider audience, while these industries can benefit from the convenience and security of digital payments.

Re-invention is also an important factor in Kenya’s growth in digital payments. As the payments landscape evolves, digital payment providers must be willing to adapt and re-invent their business models to stay relevant.

This can involve expanding into new business verticals, developing new payment technologies, or partnering with other companies to offer innovative payment solutions.

The growth of the online gaming market in Kenya has created new opportunities for digital payment providers to expand their reach and offer innovative payment solutions.By collaborating with telecoms and e-commerce companies and expanding into new business verticals, digital payment providers can take advantage of these opportunities and continue to drive the growth of the digital payments industry in Kenya.

Research Methodology and Data Sources
Approach to Market Analysis

A comprehensive market analysis was conducted to understand the role of digital payments in Kenya’s growing online gaming market.

The analysis was based on both primary and secondary data sources. Primary data was collected through surveys and interviews with industry experts. In contrast, secondary data was obtained from reputable sources such as the Competition Authority of Kenya and research reports from Innovations for Poverty Action.

The study’s methodology involved a thorough examination of key market indicators and performance factors. Key market indicators included the size and growth rate of the online gaming market, the number of players and their demographics, and the most popular games. Performance factors included the ease of use and security of digital payment platforms, the availability of payment options, and consumer trust.

The study also looked at the impact of digital payments on the online gaming market and the factors driving their adoption. This involved analysing the benefits digital payments offer consumers and gaming operators, as well as the challenges and risks associated with their use.

The research methodology used in this study aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the role of digital payments in Kenya’s growing online gaming market. By examining key market indicators and performance factors, the study aimed to identify the opportunities and challenges associated with using digital payments in this sector.

Source: pulselive.co.ke

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