In December 2022, Malawi made history by hosting the inaugural African Esports Championship for the Southern Africa region. This landmark event, organized by the Global Esports Federation (GEF) in collaboration with the Africa Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5, took place in Lilongwe from December 2–11, 2022, alongside the AUSC Region 5 Youth Games. Local organising of the event was facilitated by KOTG Esports.

Event Highlights:

• Dates: December 2–11, 2022

• Location: Lilongwe, Malawi

• Featured Games: eFootball™  and Street Fighter V: Champion Edition

• Organizers: Global Esports Federation (GEF) and Africa Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5

• Local Facilitator: KOTG Ltd, Malawi’s pioneering esports organiser

Local Facilitation by KOTG Ltd:

KOTG Ltd, established in 2020, played a pivotal role in facilitating the local organization of the championship. As the official local partner, KOTG Ltd was responsible for coordinating national qualifiers, providing training facilities, and ensuring seamless communication between international and local stakeholders. Their efforts were instrumental in preparing the Malawian team and fostering a vibrant esports community within the country.

Legacy and Impact:

The 2022 African Esports Championship not only showcased the talent and passion of African gamers but also marked a significant step towards the recognition of esports as a legitimate sport in the region. The event provided a platform for athletes to compete at an international level, fostering a sense of unity and pride among participants and spectators alike. It also highlighted the potential of esports to drive economic growth and youth engagement across Africa. The event also helped demostrate the value of esports to local Government and our national Sports Council.