Africa’s gaming landscape is set for a major spotlight this year as the third edition of the Morocco Gaming Expo (MGE 2026) prepares to take place in Rabat from May 20 to May 24, 2026. Now firmly established as a flagship gaming industry event on the continent, the Expo is expected to draw developers, publishers, esports fans, startups, investors, and gaming professionals from across the world to celebrate innovation, competition, and opportunity in games and digital entertainment.
Organised by Morocco’s Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication, the 2026 edition carries the theme of “Moroccan Talent” and aims to spotlight the creativity, technical skill, and entrepreneurial spirit emerging within the kingdom’s gaming ecosystem, while also strengthening Morocco’s role as a key hub for the gaming and esports industries in Africa and beyond.
What the Expo 2026 Has in Store
Players, developers, and industry watchers alike will find something to engage with across the Expo’s varied platforms. The five-day event blends hands-on experiences, business networking, learning, and competition, with activities spanning:
Exhibition Zones: Interactive stands where game studios, tech innovators, marketing partners, and hardware companies will showcase their latest projects, services, and technologies.
Industry Forums & Talks: Panels, masterclasses, and discussions led by global and regional experts, designed to facilitate knowledge exchange and opportunity for collaboration across the gaming value chain.
Play & Test Areas: Dedicated spaces for developers to demo playable games to visitors, receive community feedback, and connect with potential partners. Open to studios with prototypes or completed builds.
Esports & Competitive Platforms: Tournaments and competitive experiences that appeal to both amateur and professional gamers, with spaces designed to host global staples like fighting games, FPS titles, football gaming, and more.
The Expo is not just a platform for gaming entertainment; it’s also a business accelerator. Morocco’s Ministry and its partners are leveraging the event to promote investment in gaming infrastructure, talent incubation programs, and global partnerships that support the broader digital entertainment ecosystem.
Why MGE Matters for Africa
With gaming revenues soaring across emerging markets, Africa’s gaming sectors are increasingly recognised for their potential growth and innovation. The Morocco Gaming Expo aims to be a catalytic event for this momentum, using Rabat as a regional stage where African creators, esports athletes, and startups can gain visibility on a global scale.
In recent years, Morocco’s gaming ecosystem has been supported by initiatives like training programs for video game creators, national incubation support for studios, and strategic partnerships with international players. These efforts underscore a national vision to cultivate sustainable careers in gaming, elevate local media IP, and attract global investment to the region.
This year’s Expo also expands its scope by offering spaces such as the Play & Test Area, where developers with playable prototypes can showcase their games to a live audience and hundreds of industry professionals, a major opportunity for indie and emerging studios seeking recognition.
Beyond games and business, the 2026 Morocco Gaming Expo will host a range of community-driven activities, from cosplay competitions with paths to international summits (like the World Cosplay Summit and Extreme Cosplay Gathering) to public gaming zones where visitors can play and connect with peers. These elements reflect the Expo’s commitment to inclusivity and community culture within gaming.
Final Countdown: What to Expect
As the May 20–24, 2026 dates approach, excitement is building within gaming communities in Africa and the Middle East. Whether you’re a developer looking for collaboration, a competitive gamer chasing esports glory, or a fan eager to explore the latest games and tech, MGE 2026 looks poised to deliver an immersive and forward-looking experience.
From exhibitions and panels to demo slots and competitions, the Morocco Gaming Expo continues to elevate gaming’s cultural and economic significance, not only for Morocco but for the broader African landscape.
Are you planning to attend the Morocco Gaming Expo 2026 or register to showcase a game? What part of the event are you most excited about, the exhibitions, esports, developer forums, or community activities? Let us know in the comments!