iGaming AFRIKA Summit (iGA Summit 2026) has announced the shortlists for the 1st edition of the iGA Summit Awards, the first ceremony to take place in Nairobi, Kenya, as part of the inaugural iGaming AFRIKA Summit 2026.
Themed “celebrating excellence and innovation within the African Gaming industry”, the ceremony will spotlight standout achievements from operators, providers, industry leaders, and suppliers across a broad spectrum of sectors, including tech, payments, advertising, and platform innovation.
The awards roadmap spans from the initiation of nominations in early 2025 to the grand winners’ announcement on 5th May 2026 with 25 awards up for grabs. The 2026 shortlist comprises of:
1. Sports Betting Operator of the Year
Recognizing the (retail and/or online) operator in Africa that has delivered an exceptional sports betting experience over the past 12 months while focusing on product innovation, user experience, Corporate Social Responsibility, Responsible Marketing, Compliance and Responsible Gaming.
- Betway Africa
- SportPesa
- Betika
- BetKing
- SportyBet
2. Sports Betting Supplier of the Year
Honoring the provider that has made the most significant impact on the African sports betting industry through cutting-edge technology and innovation.
- EveryMatrix
- Digitain
- Diamante Tech
- Golden Race
- Digient Technologies
3. Casino of the Year
Recognizing the land-based casino operator that has delivered an exceptional guest experience, strong commercial performance, and innovation.
- Sun City Casino – South Africa
- Emperors Palace – South Africa
- The Federal Palace Hotel & Casino – Nigeria
- Moyo Casino – Kenya
- Mayfair Casino – Kenya
4. Casino Supplier of the Year
Celebrating suppliers delivering outstanding products and services to the African land-based casino sector.
- Novomatic
- EGT
- Pragmatic Play
- FAZI Company
- QTech Games
5. Online Casino of the Year
Honoring the operator that has delivered an exceptional online gaming experience with strong game portfolios and RG commitment.
- Melbet Casino
- Mozzart Casino
- 1XBet Casino
- 22bet Casino
- Hollywoodbets Casino
6. Online Slot of the Year
Celebrating the most outstanding slot game launched in Africa over the past 12 months.
- African Gold by 7777Gaming
- Ten Shining Diamonds by EGT Digital
- Wild Hot 40 by FAZI
- Chest of Cai Shen by Pragmatic Play
- 2025 Hit Slot by Endorphina
7. Online Slot Supplier of the Year
Celebrating the supplier delivering outstanding slot game products in the African region.
- Amusnet
- Booming Games
- Fazi Company
- 1Spin4Win
- Pragmatic Play
8. Affiliate Platform of the Year
Honoring companies showcasing exceptional affiliate platform performance, innovation, and service in Africa.
- Raventrack
- Alanbase
- Affilka by SOFTSWISS
- AffiGates
- PartnerMatrix by EveryMatrix
9. Affiliate Program of the Year
Recognizing affiliate programs demonstrating strong commitment to mutually beneficial relationships in Africa.
- 1win Partners
- WinWin Partners
- 1XPartners
- Linebet Partners
- 22Bet Partners
10.Platform Provider of the Year
Celebrating suppliers empowering operators with robust, flexible, and secure gaming solutions.
- BetConstruct
- Digitain
- Altenar
- SOFTSWISS
- Betfounder
11. Service Provider of the Year
Honoring expert service providers across consultancy, legal, compliance, payments, marketing, and support.
- Slec Africa
- Ocean Gaming Consult Ltd
- iGaming Consult Africa
- SumSub
- Betting Jobs
12. Crash Game of the Year
Celebrating the crash game that has captivated players with fast-paced, high-risk gameplay.
- Aviator by Spribe
- Matatu by Shacks Evolution
- Shark Rush by SimplePlay
- JetX by SmartSoft
- Chicken Road by InOut Games
13. Crash Game Provider of the Year
Celebrating companies delivering exceptional crash game experiences to African players.
- Split the Pot AB
- OnlyPlay
- Aviatrix
- Spribe
- SmartSoft
14. Marketing Campaign of the Year
Celebrating creative and responsible marketing campaigns delivering measurable success in Africa.
- Bola Queens campaign by Bolabet
- Let’s do it Again Campaign by bet9ja
- Betika na Community by Betika
- Play with Champions by Sportybet
- Francis Ngannou x Premierbet Campaign
15. New Operation Launch of the Year
Spotlighting newly launched operations that enhanced player experience and industry standards.
- Chopbet
- Pepeta
- Betgr8
- MulaSport
- Chezagame
16. Emerging Provider of the Year
Recognizing companies disrupting the market through innovation, growth, and bold strategy.
- Choice Gaming
- Leprecoins
- Tada Gaming
- SimplePlay
- OptimoPlay
17. Rising Star in Responsible Gambling
Honoring companies or organizations demonstrating exceptional commitment to player protection and sustainability.
- Fisayo Oke, Gamble Alert – Nigeria
- Tumelo Mokoena, The South African Responsible Gambling Foundation – South Africa
- Denis Mudene, CEO, National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board – Uganda
- Moruntshi Kemorwale Acting Chief Executive Officer, Gambling Authority – Botswana
- Dr. Alfred Gitonga, Consultant psychiatrist, Responsible Gambling Kenya
18. Overall Corporate Social Responsibility Award
Recognizing companies integrating ethical, social, and environmental stewardship into core operations.
- SportPesa
- Betika
- Premierbet
- betPawa
- Odi Bets
19. CEO of the Year Award
Celebrating chief executives driving growth, innovation, and excellence in African gaming.
- Ulrik Bengtsson, Sunbet
- Mutua Mutava, Betika
- Laurence Michel, Betway Africa
- Sudeep Dalamal Ramnani, SportyBet
- Gossy Ukanwoke, BetKing
20. iGaming AFRIKA Choice – Person of the Year (Male)
Celebrating a male individual driving positive change in African iGaming.
- John Mutua, CEO, Association of Gaming Operators Kenya (AGOK)
- Peter Emolemo, CEO, African iGaming Alliance
- Musa Mngadi, CEO, African Lotteries and Gaming Association
- Garron Whitesman, Founding partner, Whitesmans Attorneys
- Christopher Coyne, CEO, 888Africa
21. iGaming AFRIKA Choice – Person of the Year (Female)
Celebrating a female individual driving positive change in African iGaming.
- Lois Bright, Founder, Women in Gaming Africa
- Mrs Sibongile Simelane-Quntana, Executive Director, The South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF)
- Olabimpe Akingba, Head of Responsible Gaming, pawaTech
- Sabrina H. Msuya, Chairperson, Tanzania Sports Betting Association
- Dianne Maina, Country Manager, Sportybet Kenya
22. iGaming AFRIKA Choice – Fairplay Organization of the Year
Celebrating organizations advocating for proper regulation and fair play in African iGaming.
- Choplife Gaming
- Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority (LSLGA)
- Association of Nigerian Bookmakers (ANB)
- Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA)
- Gaming Board of Tanzania (GBT)
23. Advertising Network of the Year
- Adsterra
- RichAds
- PropellerAds
- ROIads
- Kadam
24. Payment Service Provider of the Year
- PawaPay
- bitLipa
- Flexifai
- KotaniPay
- PalmPay
25. Retail Provider of the Year
- Stellarbets
- GoldenRace
- Kiron Interactive
- IB Games
- Clickobet
Next Steps for Shortlisted Nominees
What’s next for the nominees? Everyone on the shortlist will be contacted by the iGaming AFRIKA Summit team with a link to submit their supporting materials, showcasing their achievements and what makes them stand out. All documentation should be received by 1st April 2026 to make it to the judging and voting phases.
Voting and Judging
The selection process starts with the iGaming in Africa community from 3rd to 10th April, where they get to have their say on who resonates with the industry. After that, industry experts and thought leaders look at the submitted supporting materials and, considering the community’s sentiment, make the final selection from 11th to 18th April.
The Grand Reveal
Winners of each category will be revealed on 4th May, 2026, at a prestigious ceremony in Nairobi. The organizing committee encourages nominees to secure their spot early so they can participate in the celebrations and networking opportunities.
If you want to attend the summit you can register and get your tickets here.
