iGaming AFRIKA Summit Awards 2026 Shortlist Reveal
iGaming AFRIKA Summit has announced the shortlists for the inaugural iGA Summit Awards. The ceremony, held in Nairobi, Kenya, on May 5, will celebrate excellence across 25 industry categories.
Press release.- 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 May 5, 2026, with 25 awards up for grabs. The 2026 shortlist comprises:
Sports Betting Operator of the Year
Recognising 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
Sports Betting Supplier of the Year
Honouring 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
Casino of the Year
Recognising 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
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
Online Casino of the Year
Honouring 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
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
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
Affiliate Platform of the Year
Honouring companies showcasing exceptional affiliate platform performance, innovation, and service in Africa.
- Raventrack
- Alanbase
- Affilka by SOFTSWISS
- AffiGates
- PartnerMatrix by EveryMatrix
Affiliate Program of the Year
Recognising affiliate programs demonstrating strong commitment to mutually beneficial relationships in Africa.
- 1win Partners
- WinWin Partners
- 1XPartners
- Linebet Partners
- 22Bet Partners
Platform Provider of the Year
Celebrating suppliers empowering operators with robust, flexible, and secure gaming solutions.
- BetConstruct
- Digitain
- Altenar
- SOFTSWISS
- Betfounder
Service Provider of the Year
Honouring expert service providers across consultancy, legal, compliance, payments, marketing, and support.
- Slec Africa
- Ocean Gaming Consult Ltd
- iGaming Consult Africa
- SumSub
- Betting Jobs
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
Crash Game Provider of the Year
Celebrating companies delivering exceptional crash game experiences to African players.
- Split the Pot AB
- OnlyPlay
- Aviatrix
- Spribe
- SmartSoft
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
New Operation Launch of the Year
Spotlighting newly launched operations that enhanced player experience and industry standards.
- Chopbet
- Pepeta
- Betgr8
- MulaSport
- Chezagame
Emerging Provider of the Year
Recognising companies disrupting the market through innovation, growth, and bold strategy.
- Choice Gaming
- Leprecoins
- Tada Gaming
- SimplePlay
- OptimoPlay
Rising Star in Responsible Gambling
Honouring companies or organisations 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, cnsultant psychiatrist, Responsible Gambling Kenya
Overall Corporate Social Responsibility Award
Recognising companies integrating ethical, social, and environmental stewardship into core operations.
a. SportPesa
b. Betika
c. Premierbet
d. betPawa
e. Odi Bets
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
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
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
