Cade eSports and Game Evolution have renewed their strategic alliance to boost gaming and esports across Africa. The partnership, which began in 2023, aims to make the continent a major player in the global gaming scene. New initiatives include a national league leading to a major expo in 2026.
Cade eSports and Game Evolution announced the renewal of their partnership on January 17, 2026, during a press conference. Paulson Chima, CEO and founder of Cade eSports, and Adenipebi Sholakunmi, CEO and founder of Game Evolution, shared their vision to establish Cade eSports as Africa's leading gaming and esports provider while elevating the continent's competitiveness worldwide.
The collaboration, initiated in 2023, has already resulted in over 50 joint esports tournaments. Among these is the Cade African Gaming Expo (CAGE), recognized as the continent's largest esports event since 2024.
Accessibility forms the core of their efforts, Chima emphasized. The organizations are working to remove barriers for young Africans by providing access to gaming consoles, PCs, and mobile devices. "Our goal is to make gaming accessible to everyone, especially young Africans who have the talent but lack the tools. This partnership is about inclusion, opportunity, and long-term impact," Chima stated.
A key announcement was the launch of the National E-Soccer Pro League (Division 2), running from January 17 to March 2026. This league will act as a feeder for CAGE26, which will showcase six titles: EAFC, Street Fighter, Free Fire, Chess, Just Dance, and Fortnite.
Through these steps, the partners seek to foster talent and expand esports participation, building on their established successes to drive sustainable growth in Africa's gaming ecosystem.
