Some showcases are all about the biggest AAA reveals. Others exist to shine a spotlight on voices we don’t hear nearly enough. The Afro Game Showcase firmly belongs to the second category.
Organised by Narratify Agency, the showcase celebrates indie games created across Africa and the African diaspora. Its very first edition, which aired on June 25, featured developers from 13 countries, showcasing everything from platformers and puzzle games to life sims and action adventures across PC and mobile.
And honestly? It came out swinging. Here are the games that caught my attention the most during the Afro Game Showcase.
The Elite Mboa
According to Olivier Madiba, founder of Cameroon-based studio Kiro’O Games, The Elite Mboa is “the funniest game in Africa.” And after seeing the trailer, I can definitely understand where that confidence comes from.
The Elite Mboa is a life simulation game where you play as a young African man or woman working for the government, trying to balance your professional responsibilities with your personal life, all while navigating everyday African realities. The visual style immediately caught my eye. Bright, dynamic, and inspired by comic books, the game has a very unique personality.
Oh, and I almost forgot one important detail: this is a mobile game. So for all of us who spend an hour (or more) commuting every day… I’m just saying: this might be the perfect travel companion.
A demo of The Elite Mboa is already available on Google Play and the App Store.
Kalanoro
Some games catch your attention slowly. Kalanoro did not. The moment it appeared on screen, I was hooked. The colours are vibrant, the world feels alive, and the main theme? Absolute fire.
Developed by Madagascar-based Red Raketa Studio, Kalanoro is an action-adventure game that blends platforming, combat, management, and even cooking. Because obviously, no cosy adventure is complete without some delicious food.
In the game, you play as Karakely, who sets off on a journey to find legendary lemur musicians. Their music will become your greatest weapon against an evil witch. Yes. You read that correctly. A magical lemur band.
And honestly? I’m here for it.
The character designs are adorable, especially the lemurs, and the whole concept feels wonderfully unique. This is definitely the game that intrigued me the most during the showcase. Not that I’m trying to influence you or anything (Okay, maybe a little.) But what exactly is a Kalanoro? I’ll let the game answer that question for you. Kalanoro launches on August 27th, 2026, and a demo is already available on Steam.
Kamrzah
Developed by UK and Ghana-based studio Leti Arts, Karmzah is an action-adventure side-scroller inspired by the comic book character created by Farida Bedwei. In the game, you play as a female archaeologist who, after experiencing cerebral dysfunctions, becomes the first African disabled superheroine. Yes. A disabled superheroine. And that alone already makes her stand out.
The combat looks incredibly dynamic, and coming from someone who usually avoids combat-heavy games… trust me, that says something. I’m especially curious to discover more about Karmzah’s story, her abilities, and the world surrounding her. If you’re interested, a demo is already available on Steam.
The Lonely Architect
The Lonely Architect comes from Nigerian studio Ekosodi Games, and visually, it immediately caught my attention. The art style is minimalist but incredibly delicate, creating an atmosphere that feels both peaceful and mysterious.
This is not the kind of game where you rush through without thinking. Your deduction and intuition skills will be your greatest tools as you explore its world. The joy of The Lonely Architect might not be for everyone. A little brain power will be required as an offering. But for those willing to take the challenge, the journey looks almost hypnotic. And yes, as you can probably tell, I’m really excited about this one. The demo and full game are available on itch.io.
Black Sailors: Bay of All Saints
Now, you might be wondering why I’m talking about a game announced for 2027. The answer is simple: because Black Sailors: Bay of All Saints already looks incredibly promising.
Developed by Brazilian studio Madinga Games, Black Sailors is an adventure RPG featuring tactical turn-based combat. Set during the 19th century in colonial Brazil, the game follows a group of enslaved Africans who decide to take control of their own destiny. After seizing a slave ship, they turn their weapons against Portuguese colonisation.
At its core, Black Sailors is a decolonial game, exploring a crucial part of Brazilian history through an interactive experience. The development team is also working alongside specialists to ensure the accuracy of the historical elements and lore. And that combination of storytelling, history, and strategy is exactly what makes it stand out. This is definitely my second most intriguing game from the showcase.
If the concept catches your attention too, I highly recommend adding it to your Steam wishlist. I know I will.
MathPunk Chronicle
MathPunk Chronicle comes from Moroccan studio Kiddo Education. It’s a narrative puzzle adventure set in a Solarpunk world powered by mathematics. No, seriously. Since the universe is collapsing, your mission is to understand its mathematical foundations and use that knowledge to repair reality itself.
Now, I’m not necessarily a math person. But if you can make mathematics look cosy and fun, maybe we can have a conversation. And honestly? The adorable art style definitely helps.
There is currently no release date, but you can already wishlist MathPunk Chronicle on Steam.
Riziki
Finally, let’s talk about Riziki, a rhythm dance game from Kenyan studio Weza Interactive Entertainment.
The concept is simple: open the game, enjoy the music, and dance your way through different cultures and regions. Featuring Afrobeats, Amapiano, Dancehall, and more, Riziki wants to celebrate the universal language of music. Each area you explore unlocks new songs, styles, and cultural experiences.
And honestly, what better way to remind ourselves that music has always been one of humanity’s greatest ways to connect?
Riziki is currently available on Google Play, with plans to expand to other platforms in the future. A demo is also available on itch.io for the curious ones.
That’s a Wrap
I tried my best not to play favourites here. Whether I succeeded or failed miserably… I’ll let you decide.
Jokes aside, these are the games that caught my attention the most during the Afro Game Showcase, but there are many more titles worth discovering, including horror games, puzzle adventures, and plenty of other surprises (the hosts of the Afro Game Showcase are funny). If there is one thing this showcase proved, it’s that incredible stories are being created all around the world, and many of them deserve more attention.
As for me? Well, my wishlist just became a little longer. I’m definitely going to try some demos, follow these projects closely, and hope this first edition of the Afro Game Showcase is only the beginning.
Thanks to the Afro Game Showcase and the Narratify Agency Team for bringing all of these great games to our attention. Don’t hesitate to check out The Afro Game Showcase Steam page.
Happy exploring, everyone!
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