Game Changers: African Women Making a Difference in Esports

Summary In this episode of the Gamers Change Lives podcast, host Tom Leonard engages with two women from Africa, Bambina and Dabi, to discuss their experiences in the eSports industry. They share their personal journeys into gaming, the challenges and opportunities they have encountered, and the importance of female representation in the gaming community. The conversation highlights the various roles available in eSports beyond just playing, the significance of networking, and the impact of initiatives like the MasterCard Gamer Academy in shaping careers in the industry. This conversation explores the multifaceted world of eSports, focusing on the experiences of Dabi and Bambina, who share insights from the MasterCard Gamer Academy, their international tournament experiences, and the importance of mentorship in the gaming community. They discuss the future of eSports in Africa, highlighting the potential for growth and the challenges that need to be addressed, such as visibility and access to resources. Takeaways  eSports can create jobs and change lives. Personal experiences in gaming can lead to professional opportunities. Indirect hiring can still create job opportunities in eSports. Sustainability is a major challenge in the eSports industry. Female representation in gaming is improving but still faces challenges. Community support is vital for female gamers. Networking plays a crucial role in career advancement. The MasterCard Gamer Academy provides valuable industry insights. Creating female-centric tournaments encourages participation. Diverse roles in eSports extend beyond just being a player. eSports offers diverse career paths beyond professional gaming. The MasterCard Gamer Academy provides valuable insights into the industry. International experience reveals skill gaps in African eSports. Mentorship is crucial for growth in the eSports community. The future of eSports in Africa is promising but requires effort. Visibility and access to resources are major challenges for African gamers. Community engagement can substitute for traditional mentorship. Collaboration among gamers can lead to greater opportunities. Women in gaming need more representation and mentorship. The youth in Africa are driving the eSports movement. Featured in this episode: Featured in this episode: Magdaline "Bambina" Njeri is a leading voice in Kenya's esports scene. As a competitive gamer and tournament organizer, Bambina has achieved major milestones, including representing Kenya on regional and global stages. Beyond gaming, she is also an accomplished chess instructor, teaching at international schools and mentoring young players to embrace strategic thinking.   Through her work organizing events such as the Gaming Impact Grand Series and advocating for inclusivity in both esports and chess, Bambina is inspiring a new generation of African talent while championing women’s representation in competitive spaces. LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/magdaline-mumbi-3a99b9242/ X/Twitter: https://x.com/BambinaKe?t=qnZYuO5gkyyfbToUWiDkAQ&s=09 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bambina_esports?igsh=MWlxeHNycDR6aXptYQ==  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/magdaline.mumbi.94?mibextid=ZbWKwL   Doreen Dabi-Diamond - She is passionate about merging the dynamic worlds of esports and social media, bringing creativity and strategy to her role as social media manager for multiple brands, including Wire Weaving Industries and Edward Mensah, Wood and Associates Limited. A participant in the Mastercard Gamer Academy, she is sharpening her skills to shape the future of esports in Ghana and beyond. With experience hosting events and creating memorable moments, her vibrant energy ensures every interaction is engaging, positive, and inclusive. Linkedin : https://www.linkedin.com/in/dabidiamond/ *  *  * Please subscribe to our podcast wherever you are listening to this episode. Leave us a rating and a review if you like our content for others to discover what we are doing. And tell your friends! CONNECT WITH US ELSEWHERE: Visit our website at https://www.gamerschangelivespodcast.com/ to learn more about our program, our blog, and sign up for our emails to be notified of upcoming episodes. Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/GamersChangeLives  Twitter: https://twitter.com/thegclpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gamerschangelives/ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8TRl42z9cbMyZMhcpNo0cw TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gamerschangelives   PRODUCTION: Creator and host: Tom Leonard (Italy) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomeleonard/ Executive Producer: Reginald Nsowah (Ghana) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/reginald-nsowah-09352929/ ABOUT THE SHOW: Play Games. Create Jobs. Change Lives. This is a show about how to build an esports business from literally anywhere in the world where each week we showcase the journey of esports entrepreneurs and others to learn how they solved a particular problem that everyone will ultimately face. Thanks for listening to The Gamers Change Lives Podcast!