The African Confederation of Esports (ACES) General Assembly held in Rabat, Morocco this month proved to be a transformative moment for the Esports Association of Malawi. As delegates from 40 African nations gathered to discuss the continent’s digital sports future, one message became crystal clear: Malawi is positioning itself as a serious player in African esports development.
A Continental Conversation on Growth
EAM Vice President Robert Cheleuka attended the day-long conference alongside Malawi’s representation in the African Esports Championship, which ran from January 15-17. Speaking after the assembly concluded, Cheleuka emphasized the significance of what was discussed: “We covered critical matters around governance, strategic planning, and continental collaboration to advance our sport further.”
These discussions aren’t just about competition—they’re about building the infrastructure and frameworks that will allow esports to thrive across Africa.
Recognition and Legitimacy: The Real Game-Changer
One of the most important items on the agenda was a conversation many African esports federations are having with their respective governments: official recognition.
The assembly highlighted the critical importance of securing recognition from national Olympic committees and government sports bodies. For EAM, which achieved official recognition by the Malawi National Sports Council in 2024, this validation is a cornerstone of our credibility. This legitimacy opens doors—it attracts corporate sponsors looking for established, trustworthy partners, it provides a pathway for government support, and it signals to young Malawian gamers that esports is a viable career path, not just a hobby.
A Growing Pan-African Movement
The conference also welcomed Senegal eSports into the ACES fold, further evidence of esports’ expansion across the continent. With ACES headquartered in Casablanca and currently supported by the Royal Kingdom of Morocco, the organization has become a vital governing body shaping the future of competitive gaming in Africa.
What This Means for Malawi
For EAM, the takeaway is clear: continental momentum is building. Malawi’s presence and participation at these high-level discussions reinforce our strategic vision to position Malawi as a vibrant hub for digital sports in Africa. The connections made, conversations held, and frameworks discussed in Morocco directly support our goals of:
- Creating pathways to international competition for Malawian athletes
- Building governance standards that earn recognition and support
- Collaborating with continental partners to elevate esports across the SADC region
- Securing government and corporate backing through legitimacy and demonstrated impact
On the Competition Front
At the championship itself, Malawi’s Melvin Kaunde represented the nation in the eFootball Mobile Championship, though he was knocked out in the preliminary stage. Morocco emerged as the tournament champions—a testament to the caliber of competition on the continent. This experience is invaluable for our athletes as they compete against the best in Africa and prepare for upcoming international tournaments, including the Games of The Future in Kazakhstan (Q1 2026) and the Global Esports Games (Late 2026).
What’s Next for EAM
The Morocco assembly reinforced what we already knew: Africa’s esports movement is accelerating. Malawi’s officially recognized status and growing international partnerships position us to capitalize on this momentum. Over the coming months, EAM will continue:
- Expanding grassroots programs to build a stronger talent pipeline
- Securing corporate and government partnerships to fund development
- Organizing flagship events like CyberExpoX (November 2025) to showcase our scene
- Developing our interschool championship across Malawi’s regions
- Preparing our national team for international competitions
The Bigger Picture
Esports is more than gaming—it’s a gateway to digital literacy, youth employment, and international representation. Every tournament, every partnership, and every conversation at forums like the ACES General Assembly brings us closer to realizing our vision: Malawi as a vibrant hub for digital sports in Africa, where youth are empowered through technology, innovation, and competitive excellence.
The Morocco assembly was an eye-opener—not just for the insights shared, but as a reminder of the incredible opportunity before us.