Abuja, Nigeria – July 14, 2025: The African Boardgame Convention (AB Con), the continent’s largest and arguably oldest gathering of tabletop gaming enthusiasts, is thrilled to announce the ninth edition will take place in November 2025. This year’s edition of AB Con will take place in Abuja, Nigeria, beginning with a crowdfunding campaign that is powered by a community-driven Kickstarter campaign launching on Tuesday, 15th July, 2025 to be able to host this year’s edition.

Now in its ninth year, AB Con has rapidly grown into an exciting hub for game creators, publishers, players, and fans from across Africa and around the World. With each edition, the convention has expanded its reach, diversity, and influence—spotlighting African-designed and foreign games, nurturing a vibrant and emerging community, and providing a platform for cross-cultural exchange through the universal language of play.

From the Streets of Abuja to Global Attention

Founded in 2016, AB Con has seen exponential growth in both attendance and industry engagement. What began as a grassroots effort to unite African board game creators and fans has become an international showcase of creativity, culture and social interaction. Past conventions have drawn participants from countries across the World, with a growing number of African-designed board games gaining recognition across the global gaming community. “The last two editions have seen over 1,500 unique attendees and we are preparing for an even bigger and enjoyable experience” says the founder Kenechukwu Ogbuagu.

AB Con 2025: More Gamers

The founder of the event promises that the event will be even more ambitious than previous years. “We’re planning to have an exhibition hall with 3,000 people including African publishers and designers debuting original games. There are also demos, tournaments and interactive workshops”. “We haven’t forgotten about panels either with industry leaders, educators, and creative professionals. And a showcase of games that reflect Africa’s rich cultures, histories, and future visions” states Kenechukwu.

Kickstarter, The Heartbeat of AB Con 2025

The success of the Kickstarter campaign launching 15th July is crucial to making AB Con 2025 a reality. A failed campaign might mean no event this year or will drastically reduce participants to within the existing gaming community of below 300 people. Funds raised will go towards venue costs, travel support for creators from across the continent, marketing, and accessibility initiatives to ensure wider participation.

“This campaign is more than funding the event,” says AB Con founder Kenechukwu. “Making the campaign visible in the global board gaming community will amplify African voices in global game design, and build an ecosystem that allows tabletop gaming to thrive across the continent.”

Supporters of the Kickstarter campaign will enjoy exclusive rewards, like print and play (PnP) copies of 2 African games designed by the convention organizer. Dicemo a draw & roll game by Kenechukwu Ogbuagu and Owonikoko a take-that card game by Olusanya Oluwafemi. Brand exposure in the hall, and on the award certificates for competition winners are other rewards. 

A Movement, Not Just a Convention

AB Con is more than an annual event—it’s a symbol of the continent’s creative surge in the gaming world. As African designers gain more global traction, AB Con stands at the intersection of innovation, culture, and community—proving that the future of board gaming has a distinctly African voice.

Media, Partners, and Sponsors Welcome

International press, gaming industry professionals, and potential partners are encouraged to engage with AB Con 2025. Sponsorship packages, and Table exhibitor opportunities are available through the convention’s official campaign page.

For more information and to support the Kickstarter campaign starting July 15, visit the link.