About Us

History

The Electronic Somali Sports Federation (ESSF), known in Somali as Xiriirka Ciyaaraha Elektroniga Soomaaliyeed, was established in August 2021 with the mission of pioneering organized esports in Somalia. Recognizing the rapid global rise of esports, ESSF was founded to provide a structured platform for Somali players, teams, and gaming communities, ensuring their representation on both regional and international stages.

As a non-profit organization, ESSF operates with the sole purpose of developing esports in Somalia, without financial gain for its leadership. All members of the board work on a voluntary basis, driven by their passion for gaming and their commitment to empowering Somali youth through esports.

At its inception, ESSF faced the challenge of developing an esports ecosystem in a country where traditional sports dominated public interest. However, with a clear vision and strong leadership, the federation set out to promote esports as a legitimate competitive discipline, fostering local talent and creating pathways for Somali players to compete at the highest levels.

The federation's early efforts focused on:

• Building Awareness: Engaging local communities, media, and stakeholders to recognize esports as a professional sport.
• Talent Identification: Organizing grassroots tournaments to discover and nurture Somali esports athletes.
• Regional Integration: Establishing relationships with African and international esports bodies to position Somalia within the global esports landscape.