​Google has officially launched a new $1 million initiative specifically designed to back independent game studios across the African continent. Applications are open immediately through the program's official portal and will close on July 31, 2026. The global tech giant is scheduled to announce the ten selected studios in September, with each successful applicant receiving equity-free grant funding alongside direct technical and operational support. ​Unlike programs aimed at early-stage ideation, this fund targets established local studios. Eligible applicants must demonstrate a real, already-shipped product in the market and present a highly structured operational plan outlining what the capital injection will unlock. Industry analysts note that given the historical reliance on tight bootstrapping within the African gaming ecosystem, grants of this magnitude are poised to meaningfully scale production quality, commercial distribution, and monetization infrastructure for regional dev...