South African technology firm ITThynk, bolstered by the MultiChoice Innovation Fund, is on a mission to anchor the nation’s R7 billion gaming industry within its borders by establishing local studios and nurturing homegrown talent. The Johannesburg-based company is addressing the outflow of economic value to international publishers by developing original African titles and fostering a robust ecosystem for developers. As reported by TechCentral, the initiative taps into a market projected to grow to $2.22 billion by 2033, driven by mobile gaming and esports, with South Africa accounting for nearly half of sub-Saharan Africa’s gaming revenue.
Founded in 2005 by Jeffrey Ledwaba and Gideon Ogongo as a consulting outfit, ITThynk shifted gears under CEO Raymond Ledwaba, who took the helm in 2017 after senior roles at PwC and Absa. His leadership has steered the company into enterprise software, artificial intelligence, and creative industries, serving high-profile clients like the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa), the South African National Space Agency, the University of the Witwatersrand, and the Government Employees Medical Scheme. Partnerships with Microsoft and Amazon Web Services have enabled ITThynk to modernise data systems and enhance client engagement, with Icasa commending its professionalism and technical expertise, according to BusinessTech.
In 2020, a transformative pivot saw Ledwaba co-found ITThynk Gaming with Neo Rathebe and Robin Bleekers, focusing on culturally resonant content. The division now boasts 12 titles across seven African nations, amassing over 250,000 downloads. A flagship project, Khamani: The Lion of Summer, immerses players in African mythology through a Nubian archer’s quest, blending 3D action-adventure gameplay with rich storytelling. Available in demo form on platforms like itch.io, the game aims to rival global studios, showcasing Africa’s creative potential, as highlighted in ITThynk’s project portfolio. The title’s development aligns with a 15% surge in mobile gaming downloads across Africa in 2024, per Newzoo’s Global Games Market Report.
ITThynk leads the AfriGames Consortium, a collaborative venture with Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct, Spielfabrique, Academy of Digital Arts, Africa Games Week, and Leaders in Motion Academy. Launched in October 2024, the initiative secured R12.9 million from the National Treasury’s Jobs Fund, matched by private investment to reach R25.8 million. This funding supports six small and medium enterprises, trains 121 developers, and has created 152 jobs, with three startups incubated, 41 jobs established, and eight bursaries awarded by mid-2024, according to ITWeb. The consortium’s efforts align with South Africa’s broader push to combat youth unemployment, which stands at 45% for those under 35, by fostering high-skill tech roles, as noted in Stats SA’s 2025 Labour Market Report.
The MultiChoice Innovation Fund has been pivotal, providing not only financial backing but also mentorship and market access to bridge skills and credibility gaps for emerging tech firms. Since its inception in 2019, the fund has invested over R407 million in 77 black-owned enterprises, creating 1,400 jobs and supporting ventures like ITThynk that align with transformation goals, per MultiChoice’s 2025 Impact Report. This support has enabled ITThynk to scale its 40-strong workforce across software, AI, and gaming divisions, with a focus on sustainable growth that prioritises opportunity creation over mere profit metrics.
South Africa’s gaming sector, while vibrant, faces challenges from global dominance by platforms like Tencent and Activision Blizzard, which capture 80% of local revenues, according to Ventureburn. ITThynk’s studios aim to counter this by leveraging local narratives and affordable development costs—30% lower than in Western markets—to produce competitive titles. The AfriGames initiative also fosters cross-border collaboration, with partnerships in Nigeria and Kenya to tap the continent’s 186 million gamers, a figure projected to grow 12% annually, per African Business. Upcoming titles like Khamani benefit from cloud-based tools and AI-driven design, reducing production timelines by 25% compared to traditional studios.
Despite its promise, ITThynk navigates a competitive landscape where access to capital and high-speed internet—available to only 40% of South Africans—remains a hurdle. The company’s dual focus on enterprise solutions and gaming diversifies risk, with AI contracts generating stable cash flows to fund creative ventures. As Africa’s gaming industry eyes a $1.8 billion valuation by 2027, ITThynk’s blend of innovation and cultural authenticity positions it to reshape South Africa’s role from consumer to creator in the global digital entertainment arena.