Africa is a continent that is experiencing exponential growth at a rapid pace. In countries like Nigeria, Ghana, and South Africa, technology is progressing rapidly. More so than ever before, Africans are being exposed to major trends in business, culture, and art due to their growing access to social media. Advanced electronics, like computers and smartphones, are already commonplace as this technology is becoming cheaper to manufacture with every passing year. Even the internet is becoming faster and more stable across Africa. With all these factors in place, we are seeing some impressive trends take over certain areas. Here are some of the fastest growing business trends, hobbies, and sports that are sweeping countries across Africa.
Agriculture
Agriculture is one of the biggest industries for many countries in Africa and reportedly creates over $100 billion a year in revenue for the entire continent. In particular, Nigeria and Egypt are credited with the most agricultural output, though it extends to many other countries. While this may not be a new trend, new techniques and equipment arrive in these countries every year, helping the overall output. So-called “smart farming” is the next evolution in this trend, and the sensors, drones, and logistics systems being developed for this are being trialed across Africa today.
Poker
With increased access to the internet, poker as a pastime is spreading here as well. This is because the communities around the game are growing. There is more participation in African poker forums online, as well as more local poker streamers showcasing their skills. One of the most appealing aspects of the game is just how simple it is to pick up. There may be many different variations that exist in the world, but all of them have in common some basic criteria. The communities around poker are growing rapidly both online and in person, so the tips and tricks needed to pick up the game are readily accessible for new players.
Mixed Martial Arts
Mixed martial arts (MMA), is oftentimes called the “fastest-growing sport in the world.” In recent years, this has become especially true across Africa due to several important reasons. First, the sports biggest promotion, the UFC, has been pushing for television and streaming deals across the globe in their efforts to promote the sport in developing countries.
There are also several African champions and top-contenders that are helping the organization gain a massive fanbase in several key areas. Nigerian welterweight champion Kamaru Usman has been unstoppable in the UFC and proudly displays his heritage. Middleweight champion Israel Adesanya was also born in Nigeria and has made several trips back to the country after becoming champion for promotional tours and to meet with fans. Heavyweight slugger Francis Ngannou is Cameroonian, and has spent most of his life there before immigrating to France and beginning his MMA journey. Amongst the UFC’s roster there are numerous talented African fighters that are helping spread the sport in their home countries.
Cycling
While cycling has long existed across Africa as a means of transportation and as a general healthy hobby, it’s only recently that it has become an expensive pastime for those that don’t mind investing a decent amount of money. For affluent and well-off individuals, cycling can be a very enjoyable way to spend an afternoon.
However, the bicycles themselves can often cost thousands of dollars for the frame alone, making this a large investment before you even consider the tires, clothes, and other accessories. It seems these factors have not slowed this trend down here in recent years as cycling has become very popular, especially in areas like South Africa where there are prime streets and trails for riding.
Social Media Marketing
Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram are spreading across Africa. After Google, Facebook is the most visited website across the continent. Naturally, this has led to a rise in social media marketing as an industry. There are numerous agencies and individuals that are contributing to this growing sector and it ties in with the rise of tech related jobs overall like programmers, and graphic designers.