Building on the growing maturity of the national gaming industry ecosystem, this challenge seeks to reach a new milestone: transitioning from a mere ideas competition to a genuine industrial incubation phase. The primary objective is to enable selected startups to deliver a Proof of Concept (POC) that can be directly integrated into inwi’s digital platforms.

Furthermore, this Challenge focuses on designing mechanics such as mini-games, community challenges, and engagement systems. Implementation will be progressive, with a priority focus on the « win by inwi » application to attract the “digital natives” segment. Following the success of this phase, the project’s scope is expected to expand to the My inwi App in a second edition.

To ensure the technical and commercial viability of the participating projects, the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication (MJCC) and Inwi aims to provide a thorough and complete support program. This begins with co-design workshops featuring business and digital transformation teams to align innovative solutions with real market needs.

The program also includes the showcase of functional prototypes (POCs) on the sidelines of the Morocco Gaming Expo 2026. Furthermore, a grant of 100,000 Dirhams awarded by inwi to the winning startup to finalize and launch the project’s industrial integration. To enhance the international visibility of Moroccan innovators, the program offers also the opportunity to participate in Gamescom, Europe’s premier gaming industry event.

The selection and incubation process will follow a specific agenda:

• Call for Applications Opens: Friday, April 3, 2026
• Application Deadline: Monday, April 20, 2026
• Workshop: Monday, April 27, 2026
• Final Pitch: Sunday, May 24, 2026

For more information, please consult the following link:
https://www.moroccogamingindustry.ma/challenge-startup-gaming/

As part of the implementation of the intergovernmental declaration of intent signed between Morocco and France under the chairmanship of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist Him, and the President of the French Republic, Mr. Emmanuel Macron, in favor of developing the gaming industry ecosystem in Morocco, the second edition of the “Video Game Incubator“ program officially launched on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.

Initiated by the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication, in partnership with the French Embassy in Morocco, this initiative supports twelve Moroccan entrepreneurs working in the gaming industry.

Participants will benefit from a tailor-made program designed by the company Level Link Partners, with the support of renowned international experts. They will have access to training adapted to their needs, as well as a strategic network bringing together key players in the sector.

This program constitutes a key step in consolidating and strengthening the Moroccan ecosystem of gaming industry startups. It promotes the development of entrepreneurial skills, the optimization of production methods and processes, the building and sustainability of high-performance teams, as well as the integration and practical application of core corporate values.

The Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication launched, on Thursday, January 8, 2026, the call for application for the second edition of the “Video Game Incubator” program, in partnership with the Embassy of France in Morocco and the « Institut Français du Maroc ».

This incubation program is intended for video game development studios, whether in the process of being created or already active, as well as entrepreneurs holding self-employed entrepreneurs status who are project leaders with ambitious initiatives in the gaming industry.

Participants in the second edition will benefit from tailored support through a specialized program supervised by international experts, including training modules adapted to technical and entrepreneurial needs, access to a strategic network bringing together key players in the industry, as well as participation in major gaming industry events.

Participation in the program requires completing the following application form:
(https://www.moroccogamingindustry.ma/vgi-2026/), no later than February 5, 2026.

This initiative forms part of the implementation of the intergovernmental declaration of intent signed between Morocco and France, under the presidency of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist Him, and the President of the French Republic, Mr. Emmanuel Macron, relating to the support and structuring of the cultural and creative video game industry ecosystem in Morocco.

For more information about the program:

https://www.moroccogamingindustry.ma/vgi-2nd-edition/

A new milestone has been reached for Morocco’s gaming industry. For the first time, Morocco officially participated in Gamescom 2026 in Cologne, Germany, with an institutional delegation and 11 Moroccan studios brought together within the Moroccan pavilion.

At one of the world’s leading events for the video game industry, Moroccan studios showcased their creations, expertise, and ambitions to an international professional audience. Their participation provided an opportunity to engage with publishers, investors, studios, and institutions from around the world.

Throughout the event, new opportunities emerged for Moroccan industry Stakeholders, particularly in the areas of partnerships, investment, co-productions, international collaborations, and access to new markets. This momentum reflects the growing interest in the potential of Morocco’s gaming ecosystem.

Beyond showcasing projects and talent, Morocco’s presence at Gamescom carried a broader ambition : to strengthen the country’s position within the global gaming industry and consolidate its role as an emerging player in Africa and the MENA region.

This first official participation therefore marked an important step in opening up Morocco’s gaming industry to the international scene. It provided the Kingdom’s studios and talents with a new platform to showcase their creativity, build connections with international industry players, and promote Moroccan expertise on the global stage.

After fostering a new generation of game studios and creators, Morocco is taking the next step: showcasing its talent and creations on the international stage.

As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the international visibility of Morocco’s gaming industry ecosystem, Morocco will be present at Gamescom 2026, one of the world’s largest gaming industry events. Through the Morocco Pavilion, eleven Moroccan startups will showcase their expertise, their creations, and the ambitions of an industry that is rapidly emerging.

This participation reflects a clear ambition: to support Moroccan studios as they expand internationally, to give them the opportunity to present their projects to a global professional audience, and to strengthen their visibility among industry players, investors, publishers, and potential partners.

The Morocco Pavilion will embody a national vision built on talent, creativity, and innovation, showcasing the achievements of a new generation of Moroccan studios.

Among the featured productions are Cazafonia, a creation inspired by the spirit and identity of Casablanca ; Rivaldom, a strategy game with international ambitions ; and Rogue Fantasy: Ever-Shifting Worlds, among others—illustrating Moroccan studios’ ability to design original experiences for an international audience.

Eleven Moroccan startups will represent the diversity and dynamism of the national ecosystem:

• June Studio
• Kiddo Education
• BJR Pixels Agency
• Ard Games
• AtlaStudio
• Even Games
• Kelbox Studio
• Ribat Studios
• Dizzy Gaming
• Qasbah Labs
• Ivalice Studio

More than simply taking part in a global event, this presence marks a new milestone in building a Moroccan gaming industry that is visible, ambitious, and connected to major international ecosystems.

As part of the efforts to strengthen the competitiveness and resilience of Moroccan startups in the gaming industry, access to financing represents a key challenge in enabling studios to develop their projects, accelerate their growth and fulfil their innovation potential.

It is around this challenge that the “MGI Talks Thursdays” launched their first session, dedicated to the Innovation Support Fund (FSI) and its support sub-program for the gaming industry.

Organized by the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication, in partnership with the Ministry of Industry and Trade, this first webinar brought together around fifty Moroccan startups from the gaming industry around a concrete objective: gaining a better understanding of the financing opportunities available and the conditions required to benefit from them.

The session presented the support sub-program for the gaming industry, its scope, objectives and financial allocation, as well as the main eligibility criteria. Beyond presenting the scheme, the webinar also aimed to support studios in their application process. The application procedures and the timeline of the call for projects were therefore discussed, enabling participants to better understand the various steps involved in preparing their applications. Through this first webinar, the “MGI Talks Thursdays” inaugurate a series of meetings designed to connect stakeholders across Morocco’s gaming industry ecosystem with the expertise, support mechanisms and opportunities that can contribute to their development.

On April 16, on the sidelines of GITEX AFRICA in Marrakech, Minister Mehdi Bensaid signed a partnership agreement with OneCloud to strengthen the video game industry in Morocco, particularly through the upcoming Video Game City in Rabat. The agreement aims to jointly develop cloud gaming solutions tailored to the ecosystem of companies operating in the video game sector.

On March 3, 2025, Minister Mehdi Bensaid met with Mr. Hans Kornhaedie Saleh, Head of Garena for the Middle East. Garena is a globally renowned video game publisher, best known for its hit mobile game Free Fire, one of the most popular mobile games worldwide. During the meeting, Mr. Saleh highlighted Morocco’s growing momentum in developing the video game industry and presented his project aimed at supporting the expansion of Garena’s activities within the Kingdom.

On February 26, 2025, Benjamin Anseaume, CEO of TA Publishing (a subsidiary of Forever Entertainment Group, a major publisher on Nintendo Switch), signed a letter of intent with Mr. Mohamed Mehdi Bensaïd, Moroccan Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication, in the presence of Mrs. Rachida Dati, French Minister of Culture.

This agreement marks a key milestone in the development of Morocco’s gaming industry ecosystem. This project is part of the national dynamic aimed at positioning Morocco as the African hub of the gaming industry.

The project involves setting up a studio in Rabat with 50 to 100 employees in the long term, specializing in video game development. In this context, TA Publishing will mobilize its expertise to structure the project, while the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication will facilitate the installation through incentive measures, administrative support, and operational backing.

Quote from Benjamin Anseaume: “After two years of searching for international locations, Morocco has proven itself through its structured and visionary strategy. We are convinced that Rabat Gaming City will become a key hub for our growth.”

TA Publishing is a French video game development studio, a subsidiary of Forever Entertainment Group, one of the largest video game publishers on Nintendo Switch worldwide.

Morocco has made a strong statement on the African esports stage ! Following an intense competition, the Moroccan Rocket League national team claimed the title of African champions at the FIFAe Continental Championship Africa 2026, held in Casablanca from August 27 to 29.

Delivering an outstanding performance throughout the competition, the Moroccan team prevailed against Africa’s top national teams to secure a historic victory. This achievement is a testament to the talent, hard work, and determination of our representatives.

But the Moroccan national esports team did not stop there. In eFootball Console, Morocco also delivered an impressive performance, finishing second in the competition and further demonstrating the quality and competitiveness of Moroccan esports talent on the continental stage.

Congratulations to our Rocket League champions and our eFootball Console runners-up! A remarkable achievement that reflects the strength of Moroccan talent and reinforces pride in the country’s capabilities.

Casablanca is getting ready to welcome the best of African esports. From August 27 to 29, 2026, the city will host the FIFAe Continental Championship Africa, bringing together 13 national teams for three days of intense competition across eFootball Mobile, eFootball Console, and Rocket League.

With a place at the FIFAe World Cup 2026 at stake, the continent’s top teams will battle it out for the chance to represent Africa on the world stage. The action will begin with eFootball Mobile on August 27, followed by eFootball Console on August 28, before Rocket League takes center stage on August 29.

Hosting this continental championship further strengthens Morocco’s position on the global esports map. The Kingdom is one of just five countries worldwide selected to host a FIFAe Continental Championship in 2026, alongside Malaysia, Brazil, Mexico, and Portugal.

As the Moroccan representatives prepare to take on Africa’s best, we wish them strength, success, and an unforgettable run. Carry the Moroccan flag with pride, give it your all, and make the Kingdom proud!

Good luck to all our champions!

Morocco is gearing up for a major moment on the international esports stage, as its national talents prepare to take part in the Esports Nations Cup (ENC). Originally scheduled for November 2026, the highly anticipated competition has been postponed to November 2027 and will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Several Moroccan talents have already secured their place in this major international competition. In EA SPORTS FC, Nassim Dahman “Nassada” will represent Morocco after receiving an invitation based on his world ranking. Meanwhile, HassanWright, a player for USYM Rabat, secured his qualification after finishing as the highest-ranked Moroccan player in the qualifiers.

Morocco will also be represented in Apex Legends, where three national representatives have secured their qualification. Elsewhere, the Moroccan Counter-Strike 2 national team has also earned its place after being crowned North African champions.

These achievements reflect the growing strength of Moroccan esports talent and the Kingdom’s rising presence on the international stage.

With the competition now set for November 2027, the journey continues for Morocco’s esports representatives. We wish the best of luck to all Moroccan players and teams still competing in the qualifiers across the other disciplines, and we extend our full support and encouragement as they strive to secure their place at the Esports Nations Cup.

Congratulations to all our representatives, and we look forward to seeing Morocco shine in Riyadh!