ESports federation of Tanzania

Overview

The Esports Federation of Tanzania (EFT) was formally registered on 15 November 2023, a milestone announced by its President, Peter Mshikilwa, via LinkedIn. The federation operates under Tanzania's National Sports Council Act of 1967, which provides the legal framework for sports governance. This registration legitimises EFT as the sole recognised authority for esports in Tanzania, aligning with the government's interest in modernising sports and engaging youth through digital avenues.

Role and Mandate

EFT's primary role is to regulate competitive gaming, set standards for tournaments, and ensure compliance with national sports laws. It acts as the liaison between Tanzanian esports stakeholders and international bodies, most notably the International Esports Federation (IeSF), where it holds membership. The federation's stated vision is to “position Tanzania as a global esports powerhouse,” focusing on three pillars: talent development, infrastructure creation, and investment attraction.

Platforms and Events

The federation operates a digital platform called PlayOn, used to manage national and international esports tournaments. PlayOn supports both online and physical LAN events, allowing EFT to host competitions across popular titles. While no specific game titles are officially listed on the federation's website, typical esports titles in the region include FIFA, eFootball, PUBG Mobile, Free Fire, and Call of Duty Mobile.

Leadership and Structure

As a newly formed organisation, EFT has a small team. Headcount information is not publicly disclosed, but given its early stage, it likely comprises a handful of board members and volunteers. The federation is led by President Peter Mshikilwa, who also serves as an advocate, tax lawyer, sports lawyer, and iGaming lawyer in private practice. The Vice-President is Robert Mwampembwa, as confirmed by an Instagram post from the Swahili Esports Champions event in early 2025. No other executive roles such as CEO, COO, CTO, or CFO have been identified in public sources.

Challenges and Future Direction

EFT's key challenges include building a sustainable esports ecosystem with limited funding, establishing partnerships with game publishers, and navigating the regulatory landscape for gambling and iGaming. The federation does not currently operate its own esports betting or gambling platforms; its focus is strictly on competitive gaming governance and event management. However, as esports betting grows in the region, EFT may play a role in shaping regulations around integrity and fair play.

Recent Activity

President Mshikilwa has been active in media, participating in discussions on esports regulation in East Africa. The federation continues to engage with the community through events like the Swahili Esports Champions, highlighting its efforts to promote local talent and build a national esports infrastructure.