A downloadable game for Android

Experience the "Mother of Games" in a digital arena that knows no boundaries. Gebeta reimagines traditional Mancala—from Oware to Bao—as a high-speed, online multiplayer experience designed to connect players across the African continent. No passports, no lag, just the timeless strategy of sowing and capturing. Whether you’re in a bustling city or a rural village, the next match is just a tap away.

The Vision

Mancala is more than a game; it is a shared language spoken through seeds, stones, and sand for thousands of years. Gebeta brings this ancient heritage into the 2026 digital age, removing the physical and political "borders" that separate us. By digitizing Africa’s most iconic board game, we create a virtual space where a player in Addis Ababa can challenge a master in Accra in real-time.

Gameplay & Features

Borderless Multiplayer: with custom, low-latency networking engine is built specifically for the African infrastructure, ensuring smooth play even on 3G/4G connections. Play against friends or match with strangers in a seamless "One Africa" lobby.
Borderless AI:

* Future/Next Gameplay & Features Plan

The Rule-Shifter Engine: Why play only one version? Choose between regional variants like Oware, Bao, Gabata, or Kalah. The game adapts its board and rules based on your preference, or allows you to play "Hybrid" matches that blend traditions.
Continental Tournaments: Rise through the ranks in the "Great Caravan" league. Compete in weekly challenges to unlock unique digital boards crafted by African digital artists and earn your spot as the continent’s Grandmaster.
Cultural Exchange: Every match is an opportunity to learn. Integrated chat features include quick-translate phrases in Swahili, Wolof, Amharic, and more, allowing players to communicate and celebrate victories together.

The Goal

In the spirit of "Play Without Borders," Gebeta isn't just about winning—it’s about the "seeds" we sow. It’s a celebration of African unity, proving that while our rules might differ slightly, the joy of the game remains the same across every horizon.

Created for the Pan African 2026 Global Game Jam.

Let’s sow the seeds of Gebeta!

Made with love ❤️From Ethiopia

More information

Published	8 days ago
Status	Released
Platforms	Android
Author	Yared
Genre	Strategy
AI Disclosure	AI Assisted, Graphics, Sounds, Text

Download

gebeta v-0.1.apk 53 MB

Install instructions

🌍 Gebeta: Mancala Without Borders

Thank you for downloading Gebeta! You are about to join a continental network of players. Follow the instructions below to get started.

📥 Installation Instructions

For Android (.apk)

Download the .apk file directly to your mobile device.
Open your File Manager and tap on the file.
Permissions: If prompted, allow "Install from Unknown Sources" in your phone settings.
Tap Install and then Open to begin playing.

🛠 Prerequisites & Requirements

Internet Connection: Required for Online Multiplayer and Global Leaderboards.

🎮 How To Play

The Objective

The goal is to capture more seeds than your opponent. The game ends when one player's pits are empty.

The Basics (Sowing)

Select a Pit: On your turn, click/tap one of the pits on your side of the board that contains seeds.
Sow the Seeds: Your seeds will be dropped one by one into the following pits in a counter-clockwise direction.
The Store: If you pass your own "Store" (the large pit at the end), a seed is dropped there. You skip your opponent's store.

Special Moves

Free Turn: If your last seed lands in your own Store, you get to move again!
Capture: If your last seed lands in an empty pit on your side, and the opponent’s opposite pit has seeds, you capture all those seeds and move them to your Store.

Playing "Without Borders"

Quick Match: Tap "Global Lobby" to be instantly paired with another player from across the continent.
Regional Rules: Before a match starts, you can vote on which Mancala variant to play (Oware, Bao, or Kalah).
Chat: Use the built-in emoji and phrase-translator to communicate with your opponent regardless of language barriers!

🆘 Troubleshooting

Laggy Multiplayer? Ensure you are on a stable 3G, 4G, or Wi-Fi connection. The game uses low-data packets, but stability is key.