Cade eSports, Game Evolution Reinforce Strategic Partnership to Drive eSports Growth Across Africa

Cade eSports and Game Evolution have reaffirmed their long-standing strategic partnership to drive the growth of the sport across the country.

Speaking in Lagos recently where both firms announced their partnership, the CEO and Founder of Cade eSports, Mr. Chima Chima Paulson and CEO and Founder of Game Evolution, Mr. Adenipebi Sholakunmi, outlined their shared vision for positioning Cade eSports as the largest gaming and eSports provider in Africa.

Paulson emphasised renewed commitment to transforming Africa into a globally competitive force in gaming and eSports.

According to him, since the inception of their partnership in 2023, Cade eSports and Game Evolution have collaborated on a mission to expand access to gaming and competitive eSports across the continent.

According to him, “The partnership is focused on exposing a broader audience to gaming and eSports by providing access to gaming consoles, PCs, and mobile devices, thereby breaking entry barriers for young and aspiring gamers.

“Together, we have successfully hosted over 50 eSports tournaments, including CAGE (Cade African Gaming Expo), widely recognized as the largest eSports tournament in Africa since 2024,” he said.

On his part, CEO and Founder of Game Evolution, Mr. Adenipebi Sholakunmi, stressed the importance of accessibility in the growth of the industry as a roadmap aimed at positioning Cade eSports as the largest gaming and eSports provider in Africa.

Sholakunmi reiterated Game Evolution’s commitment to changing public perception around gaming and eSports.

He noted that the partnership aims to make eSports more acceptable within communities by showcasing its educational, economic, and social value, as well as its potential to create new career pathways for African youth.

“The partnership between Cade eSports and Game Evolution represents a deliberate effort to build a sustainable eSports ecosystem in Africa; one that promotes talent development, community engagement, and industry growth at both grassroots and elite levels. As both organizations continue to expand their footprint, they remain committed to redefining Africa’s role in the global gaming and eSports landscape.

“This year, Nigerians are going to be exposed to high-level esports tournaments and leagues. We started a grassroots movement three years ago, which has grown into a professional tournament now. So this year, we are still going to continue with the Onile Esports Tournament, which will still be in 20 local governments in Lagos.

“The National E-Soccer Pro League (Division 2) will commence from 17th January through March, 2026. This Pro League will be a roadmap to CAGE26 which comprises 6 gaming titles in EAFC, Street Fighter, Free Fire, Chess, Just Dance and Fortnite.

Right now, we’ve done Division 3, with a couple of players that have been promoted to Division 2. Division 2 is going to happen for seven weeks. Twenty players are going to play in that tournament, and eight of them are going to be promoted from Division 2 to Division 1. There’s a $5 million prize pool for both leagues, I think $1.3 million in this one, and the rest goes to the Division 1 Pro Leagues,” he said.