A Nigerian gamer in Lagos taps his phone three times. Within seconds, he earns virtual coins that could, one day, convert into real cryptocurrency. Meanwhile, a developer in Nairobi is building her own Telegram mini-app game, targeting the same audience that made Hamster Kombat a global phenomenon. And in Cape Town, a young creator just cashed out his first crypto reward from a tap-to-earn game he started playing six months ago.
This isn’t science fiction. This is Telegram gaming in Africa in 2026, and it’s rewriting the rules of how the continent plays, earns, and builds wealth, all from a single messaging app.
Telegram gaming in Africa has exploded beyond casual entertainment. It has become a legitimate entry point into Web3, crypto, and digital income for millions of young Africans. With the African gaming market valued at $2.04 billion in 2025 and projected to hit $3.68 billion by 2030, Telegram sits right at the centre of that growth. But how does it all work? Who’s winning? And more importantly, how can you tap into it?
Let’s break it down.
The African Gaming Boom: Why It Matters Right Now
Before diving into Telegram specifically, it’s important to understand the bigger picture. The African gaming market size stands at $2.04 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach $3.68 billion by 2030. That’s not a small number, and Africa is growing faster than most traditional gaming strongholds.
The gaming industry surpassed $187 billion in revenue globally in 2024, with Africa’s market seeing an impressive 8.9% year-on-year growth, outpacing traditional gaming strongholds like North America and Europe. Furthermore, Nigeria is leading in year-on-year growth, thanks to increasing smartphone adoption and a digitally engaged youth population.
The numbers tell a compelling story about mobile dominance. Mobile devices dominate player behavior across Africa, with 91 percent identifying them as their primary gaming platform, and three-quarters of players reporting more than an hour of daily play. Additionally, 59 percent of respondents have made purchases after viewing in-game advertising, suggesting that performance-based mobile ad models now resonate strongly with African audiences.
Nigeria, in particular, punches above its weight. Nigeria delivered $300 million in 2024 revenue on the strength of its 220 million-person population and fintech prowess that eases micro-transaction flows. Consequently, Nigeria has become Africa’s most exciting battleground for mobile-first gaming innovation, and Telegram is one of the platforms leading that charge.
For deeper context on where Africa’s tech ecosystem is headed, explore our AI in Africa pillar guide, because AI and gaming are increasingly converging on the continent.
What Is Telegram Gaming, and Why Is Africa Hooked?
Telegram gaming refers to interactive games built as Mini Apps (TMAs) that run natively inside the Telegram messaging platform. No separate download. No app store approval. No complicated setup. You open Telegram, tap a link, and you’re playing.
Telegram Mini Apps work seamlessly across iOS, Android, Mac, Windows, and Linux, allowing users to switch between their phone, tablet, or desktop without losing any features, data, or progress. Moreover, users sign in with a single tap using Telegram’s built-in authentication, removing the need for passwords and speeding up onboarding.
Why does Africa love this model? Three reasons stand out:
1. Mobile-First by Design Africa is a mobile-first continent. Smartphones are the primary gateway to the internet for hundreds of millions of people. Telegram Mini Apps are lightweight, data-efficient, and run beautifully on entry-level Android devices — the exact devices most African gamers use.
2. Zero Barriers to Entry. Unlike traditional gaming platforms that require downloads, accounts, payment cards, or powerful hardware, Telegram gaming asks for almost nothing. If you have Telegram — and over 950 million people worldwide do — you can play immediately.
3. Earning While Playing. This is the real hook. Many Telegram games integrate with the TON blockchain (The Open Network), allowing players to earn cryptocurrency tokens through gameplay. TON has become the exclusive blockchain infrastructure powering Telegram’s Mini App ecosystem, supporting Telegram’s global user base of over 950 million monthly active users. For young Africans exploring crypto for the first time, this is a no-risk introduction to Web3.
The Games That Changed Everything: A 2025–2026 Breakdown
Notcoin — The Blueprint
Notcoin is the game that started it all. Notcoin launched as a simple game where users tapped a coin icon to earn points. Those points were later converted into NOT tokens on The Open Network (TON). It taught the world that something as simple as tapping on Telegram could evolve into a full-blown crypto project.
The results were staggering. Notcoin gained over 35 million players since its launch in early 2024. The NOT token launched successfully on May 16, 2024, supported by major exchanges like Binance, OKX, and Bybit. Initially priced at $0.01, it reached a market cap of $1.1 billion, ranking as one of the top 100 cryptocurrencies globally.
In Africa, Notcoin became a cultural moment. Telegram has emerged as a major blockchain/crypto ecosystem in its own right, as demonstrated by the increased usage of the TON blockchain ecosystem across Africa, especially in Nigeria. Nigerian crypto communities on Telegram have grown by over 180% since 2023, and Notcoin played a significant role in that surge.
Hamster Kombat — The Phenomenon
If Notcoin was the spark, Hamster Kombat was the wildfire. Breaking records with over 300 million players in a matter of months, this Telegram-based mini-app became the face of the massive “Tap-to-Earn” wave.
On the surface, it looks like a cute clicker game. Under the hood, however, it is a simplified crypto exchange simulator built on the TON blockchain that introduced millions of people to Web3 concepts without them even realising it. Specifically, players take on the role of a hamster CEO and use earned coins to invest in marketing, licenses, talent, and new products to grow their exchange.
What kept players coming back was the daily reward system. Every day, a hidden word related to crypto could be entered using Morse Code by tapping the hamster in a specific pattern, yielding 1 million free coins. Players also had to find three specific upgrade cards out of hundreds — the correct combination unlocked 5 million free coins. Subsequently, these features created a massive social effect. Players flocked to Twitter, YouTube, and Telegram groups every morning to share the solutions, creating a self-sustaining hype cycle that dominated social media algorithms.
What happened after the hype? Around 130 million players qualified for the token airdrop, but many expressed disappointment, describing their allocations as “dust” due to smaller-than-anticipated rewards. Nevertheless, the game evolved. HamsterVerse has officially launched, introducing interconnected games and enhanced tap-to-earn mechanics. The ecosystem now includes multiple titles, Hamster Fight Club, Hamster Boost, and Hamster King, all offering HMSTR token rewards.
The Rising Wave: Other Games Dominating in 2025–2026
Hamster Kombat and Notcoin aren’t alone. In 2025, some of the most popular Telegram tap-to-earn crypto games include Notcoin, Hamster Kombat, TapSwap, Yescoin, Catizen, and PixelTap. Each brings a unique twist:
- Blum — Goes beyond basic tapping with mini-challenges and seasonal events
- X Empire — Strategy-focused with empire-building mechanics
- Catizen — Generated over $25 million and is the first Web3 app to reach 1 million paying users
- DOGS — A token tied directly to Telegram’s own community culture
- TapSwap — One of the earliest tap-to-earn games, still maintaining a loyal player base
The Nigeria Factor: Why Lagos Is Africa’s Telegram Gaming Capital
Nigeria isn’t just participating in Telegram gaming, it’s shaping it. Nigeria dominates crypto adoption in the region, having been ranked 2nd in the world behind India in the latest Chainalysis 2024 Crypto Adoption Index. This crypto-native mindset makes Nigerian gamers particularly receptive to play-to-earn models.
The strongest TMA ad volumes come from markets like Indonesia, Bangladesh, India, Nigeria, and Vietnam. These GEOs generate the highest impression rates. In other words, Nigeria is one of the most valuable markets for Telegram Mini App developers globally.
Why? Several factors converge:
Fintech Fluency Nigerians are among the most digitally savvy populations on earth when it comes to mobile money and cryptocurrency. Platforms like Paystack and Flutterwave have built a strong micro-payment culture. This translates directly into comfort with in-game purchases and token transactions.
Youth Demographics 60% of the African population is under the age of 25, making it the world’s youngest continent. This demographic is particularly receptive to digital entertainment, including video games. Lagos, with its enormous young population and thriving tech scene, is the epicenter.
Community-Driven Culture Nigerian gamers don’t play in isolation. They form guilds, share strategies on Telegram groups, and amplify games through social media, exactly the viral mechanics that Telegram gaming thrives on. In Nigeria, crypto-based play-to-earn games took off for two major reasons: increasing online gaming activity and the second major crypto bull run of 2021. Initially, players formed gaming guilds to share resources and maximise earnings. That community infrastructure is still active and stronger than ever.
For more on how Nigerian startups and innovators are riding the AI and tech wave, check out how Nigerian startups are using AI tools.
How TON Blockchain Powers It All
You can’t talk about Telegram gaming without understanding the TON blockchain. TON Foundation announced an expansion of its partnership with Telegram Messenger, making TON the exclusive blockchain infrastructure powering Telegram’s Mini App ecosystem.
Here’s what that means in practice:
For Players:
- Earn tokens by playing games — no wallet setup needed initially
- Convert in-game achievements into tradeable cryptocurrency
- Access decentralised finance (DeFi) concepts through gameplay
- TON Wallet was activated by over 100 million users globally in 2024
For Developers:
- Toncoin is the only currency used to pay Telegram Mini App developers and channel owners for their earned Telegram Stars and advertisement revenue.
- As of mid-2025, TON supports over 650 dApps and more than 200 ecosystem tokens. Its DeFi sector has surpassed $150 million in total value locked (TVL).
- Developers can apply for up to $50,000 in Ad Credit grants from TON Foundation
For the African Ecosystem: The TON blockchain and its applications are seeing increased adoption in Africa. TonKeeper, the most common wallet on the TON ecosystem, experienced rapid growth in the first quarter of 2024. This means African gamers and developers are not just consumers, they’re increasingly participants in the Web3 economy.
The Real Money Question: Can You Actually Earn in Nigeria?
This is the question every African gamer asks. The honest answer is: it depends on the game, the timing, and your expectations.
What Players Have Actually Earned
Notcoin distributed its NOT tokens to early players via an airdrop, and those tokens became tradable on major exchanges. Initially priced at $0.01, it reached a market cap of $1.1 billion. Early Nigerian players who held their tokens during the initial surge saw meaningful returns.
Hamster Kombat’s story is more cautionary. While the game attracted 300 million players, many expressed disappointment with the token airdrop, describing their allocations as “dust” due to smaller-than-anticipated rewards.
The Shift Toward Skill-Based Earning
The market is maturing. Rather than betting on the next crypto token, players now compete for fixed rewards. Instead of being limited by NFT access or token volatility, they win by being good at the games. Platforms like Hyper are leading this shift — Hyper’s 5,000-member Telegram community features members from different parts of Africa. The app supports withdrawals via local bank accounts or PayPal, and users must complete full KYC verification.
Realistic Earning Expectations (2026)
| Game Type | Earning Potential | Risk Level | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tap-to-Earn (Notcoin, HK) | Low–Medium | Medium | Crypto beginners |
| Skill-Based (Hyper) | Medium–High | Low | Competitive gamers |
| Mini-App Development | High | Medium | Developers & entrepreneurs |
| Referral & Community | Medium | Low | Social networkers |
The Developer Opportunity: Build Games, Not Just Play Them
Here’s where it gets really exciting for African tech enthusiasts. Telegram Mini Apps aren’t just for players — they’re for builders.
The global mobile application market size was estimated at $252.89 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $626.39 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 14.3%. Telegram Mini Apps sit at the intersection of this growth and Africa’s mobile-first economy.
What You Need to Build a Telegram Game
The barrier is surprisingly low:
- Technical Skills: JavaScript and HTML5 are sufficient. Developers can implement cryptocurrency payments within apps, offer subscriptions and access via tokens, create NFT markets, and capitalise on play-to-earn games — all within the Telegram ecosystem.
- Time to Market: Development cycles are fast. A basic mini-app can go from concept to launch in weeks, not months.
- Monetisation Models: Telegram Mini Apps hold promising revenue opportunities in 2025, thanks to the integration of TON blockchain and Telegram Pay. These tools create a strong foundation for apps that rely on micropayments, making them especially appealing for gaming apps with in-game purchases.
Revenue Models That Work
Nigerian developers are already capitalising on multiple revenue streams:
- In-Game Purchases — Virtual items, upgrades, and boosts
- Token-Based Rewards — Play-to-earn mechanics tied to TON
- Ad Revenue — Rewarded Interstitials in TMAs offer a novel revenue stream: users watch ads to unlock in-app rewards, creating a win-win for advertisers and developers.
- Referral Systems — Viral growth mechanics that reward community building
- Subscriptions — Premium features and exclusive content
Real-world examples validate Telegram’s potential. The $ECO PROJECT, a Telegram Mini App combining blockchain and ecological themes, generates $8,000–$9,000 monthly through in-game tasks and ad impressions.
If you’re interested in building AI-powered apps or automation tools, our guide on how to build an AI newsletter digest for free covers adjacent technical skills that transfer well to mini-app development.
The Platform Shift: Telegram’s 2025–2026 Evolution
Telegram itself has undergone massive changes that directly impact gaming:
By 2026, the platform’s user base will have surged to 1 billion monthly active users, with 500 million daily active users, driven by rapid adoption in Asia and Europe. Meanwhile, this growth has catalysed a $10 billion advertising market in 2025 alone, positioning Telegram as a formidable player in digital monetisation.
The Hype vs. Reality: What the Data Actually Shows
Not everything is golden. TMA usage went through major swings in 2024–2025. After peaking at 1.44 billion MAU in September 2024, activity declined and stabilised at a lower but steady 150–190 million range by mid-2025. However, the sharp rise and fall of TMA usage was largely driven by tap-to-earn apps like Hamster Kombat, which inflated the ecosystem with reward-seeking users. Once the hype faded, most of these users churned. What remained was a smaller but far more stable audience that uses Mini Apps for practical purposes.
Importantly, the number of Mini Apps continues to grow, comparatively slowly, but consistently at 2–8% each month. While user spikes cooled down, developer interest didn’t. This signals that the ecosystem is maturing, not dying.
TON Exclusivity: What It Means for African Developers
In 2025, Telegram required all crypto Mini Apps to migrate to TON, Telegram’s own blockchain. Developers repeatedly reported that apps built on Ethereum, BNB Chain, Polygon, and other networks were disappearing from search or losing functionality. The only reliable way to restore visibility was to migrate to TON. For African developers, this actually simplifies things — build on TON from the start, and you’re aligned with the platform’s future.
African Gaming Culture Meets Telegram: The Cultural Layer
Telegram gaming in Africa isn’t just about earning crypto. It’s deeply intertwined with culture, community, and identity.
The Guild Culture
Nigerian gamers have long organised into guilds — online communities that share strategies, resources, and motivation. Gaming guilds were essential to crypto play-to-earn popularity in Nigeria. These collectives provided shared access to game assets, training, and community for players. Telegram’s group chat features make it the perfect home for these guilds, creating a feedback loop between the platform and the gaming culture.
Culturally Relevant Games Are Rising
Disney’s “Iwájú” partnership with Nigeria’s Maliyo Games marks a watershed as global IP leans on African storytelling for authenticity. While Iwájú is a mobile game rather than a Telegram Mini App, the trend it represents — culturally rooted African games — is spilling into the Telegram ecosystem. Developers are increasingly building games that reflect African myths, languages, and traditions.
Esports and Competitive Gaming on Telegram
Several major esports events have taken place in South Africa, including the VS Gaming Festival, the rAge Expo, and Comic Con Africa esports tournaments. Telegram is becoming the organising backbone for smaller, community-run tournaments across the continent — particularly in Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa.
For more on gaming careers and opportunities emerging across Africa, see our coverage of AI innovation and job growth in Africa.
Challenges: The Real Barriers African Gamers Face
It would be dishonest to paint Telegram gaming as all upside. Here are the genuine challenges:
1. Internet Connectivity
Despite improvements, data costs remain a barrier in many parts of Africa. Telegram Mini Apps are lightweight, but extended gaming sessions still consume meaningful data — particularly on 2G or limited 4G connections.
2. Cryptocurrency Volatility
Earning tokens is one thing. Holding value is another. Crypto-based play-to-earn games promised decentralisation and wealth-building, but their economics were often unsustainable. Inflation, bot abuse, poor gameplay, and the collapse of token values left many gamers burnt.
3. Scams and Rug Pulls
The Telegram gaming space is littered with projects that promise big rewards and disappear overnight. Nigerian gamers have learned this lesson the hard way. Always research before investing time or money.
4. Regulatory Uncertainty
The cryptocurrency market in Africa is predicted to reach 54 million users by 2025, with Nigeria and South Africa taking the lead. But regulation remains inconsistent. Nigeria’s Central Bank has flip-flopped on crypto policy, creating uncertainty for play-to-earn participants.
5. Bot Abuse
Automated bots inflate player counts and skew reward distributions. This is a platform-wide problem that Telegram and TON are actively working to address.
How to Get Started: Your 2026 Playbook
Whether you’re a casual gamer or an aspiring developer, here’s how to enter the Telegram gaming ecosystem smartly:
For Players
Step 1: Download or update Telegram. Make sure you’re on the latest version — older versions don’t support Mini Apps properly.
Step 2: Start with Established Games. Begin with games that have proven track records: Notcoin, Hamster Kombat (HamsterVerse), Blum, or Catizen. These have the largest communities and the most transparent reward systems.
Step 3: Join Communities. Find Nigerian or African Telegram groups dedicated to these games. Community knowledge is your biggest advantage — tips, combo solutions, and scam warnings flow freely.
Step 4: Set Up a TON Wallet. Download Tonkeeper or use Telegram’s built-in wallet. This is where your earned tokens will land. Don’t skip this step.
Step 5: Play Consistently, Expect Slowly. Earnings are not instant windfalls. Consistent daily play compounds over time. Think of it as a long game — literally.
For Developers
Step 1: Learn the basics. JavaScript and HTML5 are your foundation. Telegram’s WebApp API is well-documented and accessible.
Step 2: Study What Works. Analyse successful games. What makes Hamster Kombat addictive? What did Notcoin do right with its referral system? Reverse-engineer the mechanics.
Step 3: Build on TON. Start with TON from day one. Given Telegram’s exclusivity partnership, this is non-negotiable for long-term viability.
Step 4: Apply for Grants. Developers can apply for up to $50,000 in Ad Credit grants from TON Foundation to accelerate growth within the TON ecosystem. This is free money for qualified projects.
Step 5: Launch Small, Iterate Fast. A basic mini-app can launch in weeks. Get it in front of real users, collect feedback, and iterate. Speed matters more than perfection in this space.
For a broader context on earning money with AI and digital tools in Africa, read our guide on how to use AI tools to earn money in Africa in 2026.
What’s Next: The Future of Telegram Gaming in Africa (2026–2028)
The Telegram gaming ecosystem is not standing still. Here’s what’s on the horizon:
AI-Powered Games
Artificial intelligence is starting to infiltrate game design. AI-generated NPCs, adaptive difficulty, and personalised game experiences are already emerging in Western gaming — and they’re headed to Telegram Mini Apps next. AI-powered apps, including character chatbots and Mini Apps with AI integrations, are now surging in popularity on Telegram.
Social Commerce Meets Gaming
Popular deliveries and stores are beginning to open their shops in Telegram. With marketplace builder bots for TMAs, this has chances to become the next major trend. Gamification of commerce — where shopping becomes a game — is a natural evolution for the African market.
Deeper African Cultural Integration
As African game developers gain confidence and funding, expect more Telegram games rooted in African mythology, languages, and traditions. This isn’t just good culture — it’s good business. Local relevance drives engagement.
Infrastructure Improvements
Kenya leads gaming growth with a 13.3% CAGR forecast through 2030, supported by advanced mobile-money ecosystems and new cloud infrastructure. As internet infrastructure improves across the continent, the ceiling for Telegram gaming rises with it.
TON Ecosystem Maturation
If current growth continues, TON could reach over 2.6 million daily active users by 2026 and surpass 10 million by 2027. For context, the network had fewer than 40,000 daily users in 2023. African developers who build on TON now are positioning themselves for the next wave.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Telegram gaming legal in Nigeria?
Yes. Playing games on Telegram is perfectly legal. The grey area exists around cryptocurrency — Nigeria’s regulatory stance on crypto has shifted over time. However, simply playing tap-to-earn games and earning tokens does not violate any current Nigerian laws. Always stay informed about CBN (Central Bank of Nigeria) updates regarding cryptocurrency.
2. How much can I actually earn from Telegram games in Nigeria?
Earnings vary enormously. Early Notcoin players who held tokens during the initial surge saw significant returns. However, most players earn modest amounts — think of it as a crypto introduction, not a primary income source. Skill-based platforms like Hyper offer more predictable, albeit smaller, payouts tied to gameplay performance rather than token speculation.
3. Do I need a smartphone to play?
Yes, but not an expensive one. Telegram Mini Apps are designed to run on entry-level Android devices. A phone with 2GB of RAM and a basic internet connection is sufficient for most games. This is one of the key reasons Telegram gaming has taken off across Africa.
4. What’s the difference between tap-to-earn and play-to-earn?
Tap-to-earn is simpler — you tap the screen repeatedly to accumulate points or tokens (Notcoin, Hamster Kombat). Play-to-earn is broader — it can include skill-based competitions, strategy games, or puzzle-solving where earnings are tied to performance rather than repetitive actions. The industry is shifting toward play-to-earn as it offers more sustainable economics.
5. Can I build my own Telegram game as a Nigerian developer?
Absolutely. The technical barrier is low (JavaScript and HTML5), and the market opportunity is massive. TON Foundation offers grants of up to $50,000 for promising projects. Nigeria already has a growing community of mini-app developers, and the infrastructure — Telegram’s API, TON blockchain, and a massive local user base — is all in place.
6. Is Hamster Kombat still worth playing in 2026?
It depends on your goal. If you’re hoping for another massive airdrop, expectations should be tempered — the initial HMSTR token distribution disappointed many players. However, HamsterVerse (Season 2) has relaunched with interconnected games and new reward mechanics. For casual play and crypto education, it’s still worth trying. For serious earnings, explore newer or skill-based alternatives.
7. How do I avoid scams in the Telegram gaming space?
Stick to established games with large communities and transparent tokenomics. Never invest real money into a game you haven’t researched thoroughly. Check whether the project has a published whitepaper, an active development team, and community reviews. If something promises guaranteed returns or asks you to send cryptocurrency upfront, walk away.
8. What’s the best Telegram game for beginners in Africa?
Notcoin remains the best starting point. It’s simple, well-documented, and the NOT token is already live and trading. It gives you a real-world taste of the tap-to-earn model without requiring any upfront investment. From there, you can explore Hamster Kombat, Blum, or Catizen based on your preferences.
9. How does TON blockchain relate to Telegram gaming?
TON is Telegram’s native blockchain. It powers wallets, payments, and smart contracts within the platform. When you earn tokens in a Telegram game, they typically live on the TON blockchain. TON has become the exclusive blockchain for Telegram’s Mini App ecosystem, meaning all serious gaming projects now build on it.
10. What skills do I need to develop Telegram games?
JavaScript and HTML5 are the core requirements. Knowledge of Telegram’s WebApp API is essential. If you want to integrate blockchain features, basic familiarity with TON smart contracts helps — but TON Connect simplifies much of this. No mobile app development experience is necessary, which makes it accessible to a wide range of African developers.
Key Takeaways
Telegram gaming in Africa is no longer a fringe trend — it’s a legitimate, growing ecosystem with real economic implications. From the viral phenomenon of Hamster Kombat to the quiet maturation of TON blockchain infrastructure, the pieces are falling into place for African gamers and developers alike.
The market is shifting from hype-driven tap-to-earn games toward more sustainable, skill-based, and culturally relevant experiences. Nigeria leads Africa in both crypto adoption and gaming engagement, making it the natural hub for this evolution. And for developers, the opportunity window is still wide open — TON grants, low technical barriers, and a massive mobile-first audience create a rare combination.
Whether you play for fun, play to earn, or play to build — Telegram gaming in Africa in 2026 deserves your attention. The next big game might just be the one you create.
Continue Exploring
- 📖 AI in Africa — The Complete Guide — Where gaming meets artificial intelligence on the continent
- 💰 How to Use AI Tools to Earn Money in Africa 2026 — Digital income strategies beyond gaming
- 🏆 AI Innovation in Africa: Job Risks vs Growth 2025 — Career opportunities in Africa’s tech ecosystem
- 🎮 The Future of Gaming: AI-Generated Worlds — How AI is reshaping game design
- 🤖 Best AI Tools for Africans 2025 — Tools every African tech enthusiast should know
- 📱 Unlocking Success: Telegram Mini Apps for Nigerian Tech Innovators — Deep dive into building on Telegram
- 📊 Ecosystem Trends — Stay current on African tech developments
Date Published: August 3rd 2024
Date Updated: February 3rd 2026
