Nigerian Creators Lead African Board Game Renaissance At AB Con 2025

Nigerian ingenuity took centre stage at the 9th African Board Games Convention (AB Con) in Abuja as seven local designers showcased groundbreaking projects, solidifying the nation’s burgeoning reputation as a hub for indigenous gaming across the continent. The convention, which drew game developers, publishers, and enthusiasts from across Africa, served as a vibrant platform for testing new concepts and fostering collaboration. Kenechukwu Ogbuagu, founder of AB Con, highlighted the event’s remarkable growth since its 2016 inception, noting the expansion from two creators to a multitude, reflecting Africa’s escalating innovation in the gaming sector.

Ogbuagu emphasised AB Con’s mission to champion African-made games among younger generations, asserting the need to redefine Africa’s narrative beyond traditional foreign titles.

He stated: “The convention has grown for nine years, and it shows Africans love games.

We are supporting indigenous ideas so African games can take their rightful place.”

Oto-Obong Mendie, Welfare Director for the Chess Players Association of Nigeria, commended the organisers, detailing the convention’s unique chess segment that integrated both theoretical and practical competition.

She explained: “This was the first Nigerian tournament blending written tests with board play. Our goal is to raise thinkers, not just competitors.”

Among the showcased innovations was Victor Dickson’s “National Nake,” a game designed to intertwine Nigerian culture, memory, and future aspirations.

Dickson explained: “We blend history and future to inspire national transformation. Change requires wisdom, energy and imagination.”

Goodluck Chukwunyere Ezeocha, a National Chess Arbiter, underscored the cognitive benefits of board games, remarking: “Board games teach discipline, planning and analysis. They offer positive distraction for the youth.”

Ladipo Oluwaseun, co-creator of “Susty Grab Card,” presented a game promoting sustainability and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. He stated: > “Susty Grab blends culture with sustainability education. We want players to learn climate-smart habits.”

Observers credit Ogbuagu’s vision with positioning Nigeria as a creative gaming epicentre, fostering confidence among young African inventors. The convention also saw participation from publishers such as Althra Games, ICE Game, and Jesus Native Games, alongside numerous other Nigerian titles including “Oya One More,” “Wan wan touch,” and “Village War.”

This year’s event received partial crowd-sponsorship online, with additional support from Free League, MOB Vanguard, and Spiel Foundation.