Afro Geek Fest 2025

The energy was electric, the creativity was boundless, and the community was stronger than ever. This year's Afro Geek Fest was an overwhelming success, and we couldn’t have done it without the incredible support of our community and our amazing partners. We are thrilled to announce that all of the free tickets to the event were completely sold out—a testament to the growing passion for African geek culture.

This year, we had the honour of hosting the festival at the Jabulani Safe-Hub in Soweto. This venue was more than just a space; it was a symbol of our commitment to community empowerment and youth development. The Safe-Hub’s mission to provide a safe space for young people to thrive through sport and education aligns perfectly with our vision of using geek culture as a vehicle for positive change.

The best part? This year's event was completely free for all attendees. This was made possible by the generous support of our incredible sponsors, Vumatel. As a leading provider of high-speed fibre internet, Vumatel's commitment to connecting schools and communities resonates deeply with us. Their sponsorship didn't just fund the event; it powered the connections and opportunities that took place, enabling us to bring this celebration of creativity to everyone, regardless of their financial background.

A Star-Studded Lineup and a Groundbreaking Debut

We were once again incredibly honoured to welcome a diverse group of speakers, from phenomenal comic artists who offered a look into their creative process, to visionary animators who revealed how they bring African stories to life frame-by-frame. Our panels also featured trailblazing game developers who shared insights on building and launching games from the African continent, inspiring the next generation of creators to turn their passion into a profession. Each speaker contributed a unique voice, making the day a powerful celebration of the diverse and thriving creative industry we have right here at home.

The excitement at the festival reached a new peak with the arrival of our distinguished guest, the visionary entrepreneur and game developer Kanessa Muluneh. As a serial entrepreneur and an advocate for a new narrative of African innovation, Kanessa's presence was an inspiration to all. She was on-hand to showcase the South African debut of her groundbreaking game, Rise of Fearless.

Rise of Fearless is more than just a game; it's a mobile battle royale experience inspired by the historic Battle of Adwa, a pivotal moment of African resistance against colonialism. By using rich cultural narratives and blockchain technology, Kanessa’s game empowers players and challenges the status quo. The chance for our community to get a hands-on preview of this incredible title was a true highlight of the festival.

A Special Thank You to Our Amazing Team and Partners

This event came to life thanks to the hard work and passion of a diverse group of individuals and organizations. A special shout-out goes to our incredible hosts, Khotso Rammopo, Bonolo Choilane, Sandile GQ, and Buckmeister Cul. Their energy and enthusiasm made the entire day a vibrant and unforgettable experience for everyone.

We would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our amazing sponsors and partners who believe in our mission:

• Kasi Esports, for organizing and facilitating our esports tournament
• Cosmic Visions, for their assistance in the management of the panels and cosplay competition
• Craftsingh for sponsoring us with amazing prizes for our competitions
• Chocolate Tribe CEO Nosipho Maketo-Van Den Bragt, for a rousing and insightful keynote address.
• Arts & Culture Trust (ACT) for their advocacy and talent
• LIM Academy for their insightful industry expertise.
• Nerdnightzz for their continued support

Finally, we want to give a massive thank you to our community, all the exhibitors, cosplayers and panelists who came from far and wide to showcase their diverse talents and contribute to the incredible atmosphere of creativity and shared passion.

Thank you to everyone who joined us, until the next one, stay geeky!