Edge Computing and Cloud Gaming to Transform Life – Tech Expert
By Lois Amanor
Africa’s gaming industry is entering a new era with the rise of edge computing and cloud gaming. Tech expert Sedem Balfour explained how these technologies could change everyday life for ordinary people, not just gamers.
Speaking on the ZED Tech Show on Zed 101.9 FM, Balfour compared cloud gaming to streaming movies on Netflix. Instead of storing the movie on your device, it runs on a remote server and streams directly to you. In the same way, cloud gaming allows players to use low end devices while the heavy computing happens elsewhere.
Balfour then explained edge computing with a simple analogy. Imagine ordering pizza from London and waiting hours for it to arrive cold in Accra. Now imagine the pizza shop is in your neighborhood, hot and fresh. Edge computing works the same way: it brings data centers closer to users, reducing delays and improving speed. For gamers, this means less lag and smoother play.
He noted that Ghanaian players often struggle with high latency because servers are located abroad, sometimes in South Africa or Cape Town. By the time the signal reaches Ghana, the game has already moved on. Edge computing solves this by placing servers locally. Companies like NextGen InfraCo are already partnering with government to roll out 5G networks, aiming for 70 percent coverage by 2027. This infrastructure will not only improve gaming but also support healthcare, telemedicine, and financial services.
Cloud gaming is relevant because the global gaming market is projected to reach $20 billion by 2030. Africa is seen as the last frontier, but the question remains: will the continent only consume or also contribute? With local data centers in Accra, Kumasi, and Tamale, Ghana could reduce latency to near zero and give developers the chance to build games that work on any device.
He argued that cloud gaming is not just about entertainment. If Ghana builds the right infrastructure, it could transform other sectors. Faster networks and edge nodes would support healthcare diagnostics, financial transactions, and education. For developers, it would mean access to global markets and the ability to compete internationally. For everyday users, it would mean smoother, faster, and more affordable digital experiences.
Ultimately, edge computing and cloud gaming are more than technical buzzwords. They represent an opportunity for Africa to leapfrog into a future where technology is built for its people, by its people. With the right investments, Ghana could become a hub for digital play and innovation, shaping not only the future of gaming but also the broader digital economy.
