African game development studios can now apply for the first Supercell Developer Grants Program, which will provide equity-free funding of between $20,000 and $200,000 USD to support studios building original games and growing sustainable businesses.
The programme is designed for legally registered game development studios with operations and teams based in Africa. Beyond funding, Supercell is looking to support strong teams, creative game concepts, and studios with clear plans for growth within the global gaming industry.
About the Programme
The Supercell Developer Grants Program was created to support the growth of Africa’s games ecosystem by providing financial support to promising game development studios.
The programme focuses on investing in studios rather than individual game projects. Applicants should demonstrate the strength of their team, the quality and potential of their games, and how funding will help them reach their next stage of development.
Grants are non-dilutive, meaning Supercell will not take equity, ownership, or intellectual property rights in exchange for funding.
Selected studios will receive:
Equity-Free Grant Funding: Successful applicants can receive grants ranging from $20,000 to $200,000 USD, depending on their studio’s needs, stage of growth, and funding plan.
Who Can Apply
The programme is open to legally registered game development studios that meet the following requirements:
- The application must be submitted on behalf of a registered game development studio.
- The studio’s primary operations and majority of its team must be based in Africa.
- The studio must be willing to complete additional due diligence or compliance processes if shortlisted.
Individual developers, hobby projects, and unregistered teams are not eligible.
Games and Business Models
Supercell welcomes applications across:
- Mobile, PC, console and other gaming platforms
- Different game genres
- Different business models, including premium, free-to-play, hybrid and others
Applicants should highlight one main game or development milestone that the funding will support, while demonstrating the wider potential of their studio.
Selection Criteria
Applications will be assessed across five main areas:
- Team: The strength, experience and ability of the team to build successful games.
- Game and Creative Vision: The quality, originality and ambition of the games being developed.
- Community and Audience: Evidence that players are engaging with the studio’s work.
- Potential for Impact: The studio’s potential to contribute to the growth of Africa’s gaming industry.
- Viability and Use of Funds: A clear plan showing how funding will accelerate growth.
Programme Timeline
- Applications Open: July 6, 2026
- Applications Close: August 9, 2026 (23:59 UTC)
- Review Period: August–October 2026
- Successful Applicants Notified: October 2026
- Grant Funding Begins: December 2026