Africa’s gaming industry continues to evolve across regulation, technology, payments, player protection and market expansion, with West and Francophone Africa presenting unique opportunities for industry stakeholders. The 11th annual Sports Betting West Africa+ (SBWA+) Summit 2026 and the 2nd annual Gaming Event Francophone Africa (GEFA) 2026 will bring these conversations to Dakar, Senegal, with both events running concurrently for the first time at the King Fahd Palace Hôtel from 14 – 16 October 2026.
The combined conference streams will bring together regulators, operators, technology providers, affiliates, investors and other industry stakeholders from across Africa and beyond, creating a broader platform for industry dialogue, networking and collaboration.
Celebrating Excellence Across Africa’s Gaming Industry
The SBWA+ Welcoming & Eventus Awards Evening will take place on Wednesday, 14 October, from 17:30 – 22:00, setting the stage for three days of industry discussions, elite networking opportunities and recognition.
The SBWA+ Eventus Awards will honour the companies and individuals making a notable contribution to Africa’s gaming industry, from commercial success and innovation to leadership and responsible gambling.
The 2026 categories include:
SBWA+ Supplier of the Year Award 2026
Recognising the supplier that has delivered the strongest overall performance in 2026, with commercial success and innovative thinking forming key elements of the judging process.
SBWA+ Innovation of the Year Award 2026
This category focuses on an innovation that has made a measurable impact on the industry during the past year, with consideration given to market performance, originality and user experience.
SBWA+ Operator of the Year Award 2026
Honouring an operator that has stood out during 2026 through commercial performance, innovative thinking and the quality of its user experience.
SBWA+ Leader in Virtual Sports Award 2026
Celebrating an outstanding virtual gaming experience, with originality, innovative thinking and commercial success determining the leading entry.
SBWA+ Leader in Online Casino Award 2026
Recognising the leading all-round online casino platform of 2026, assessed through factors including traffic quality, lead generation, growth, originality and innovation.
SBWA+ Leader in Responsible Gambling Award 2026
This award recognises a company demonstrating a strong commitment to responsible gambling awareness during 2026, with judging focused on product growth, investor confidence and brand awareness.
SBWA+ Leader in Sports Betting Award 2026
This award recognises an outstanding contribution to the sports betting sector during 2026, with originality, innovative thinking and commercial success among the key judging criteria.
SBWA+ Outstanding Industry Influencer Award 2026
Recognising an individual whose work has contributed to industry development through quality advice, transaction input, collaboration, research and wider industry contribution.
SBWA+ Outstanding Consultant Award 2026
Highlighting an individual or company whose achievements have made a notable contribution as a gaming industry consultant during 2026.
SBWA+ Outstanding Speaker Award 2026
Reserved for speakers at the SBWA+ Summit 2026, this award recognises the speaker who makes the strongest contribution to the conference programme. The winner will be announced at the end of Day Three, once all speakers have had the opportunity to speak.
Celebrating Women in Gaming
As part of the Celebrating Women in Gaming awards, two categories will acknowledge the women making a significant impact across West Africa’s gaming industry:
SBWA+ Innovation Queen of West Africa 2026
Honouring an individual recognised for innovative thinking and for driving positive change while promoting diversity within a West African gaming business or company.
SBWA+ West Africa’s Rising Star in Leadership 2026
Recognising an individual who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and made a significant impact within a gaming business or company in West Africa.
The Awards Timeline
2 OCTOBER 2026, 5PM SAT
Nominations close
7 OCTOBER 2026
Shortlist announced
14 OCTOBER 2026
Awards Ceremony and winners announced
16 OCTOBER 2026
Outstanding Speaker Award announced at the close of Day Three
Nominate Now
Nominations are open for the SBWA+ Eventus Awards 2026 and Celebrating Women in Gaming categories.
Nominate here: https://www.sportsbettingevents.com/sbwa-award-nomination-submission
Join the SBWA+ Summit 2026 and GEFA 2026
Secure a ticket now for access to three days of expert-led discussions, interactive sessions, dedicated networking opportunities and C-level engagement with senior decision-makers and industry peers from across Africa’s gaming sector.
Register now: https://www.sportsbettingevents.com/sbea-rego-gateway
For sponsorship and exhibition enquiries, contact:
Lou-Mari Burnett, Chief Operating Officer, Eventus International
loumari@eventus-international.com
