Women in Gaming Africa to co-Host drinks reception at ICE Barcelona 2026
This partnership forms part of WiGA’s efforts to promote diversity, equity and inclusion in the gaming industry, while also highlighting Africa’s growth potential.
South Africa.- Women in Gaming Africa (WiGA) is collaborating with the organisers of ICE Barcelona to host the ICE WGF Africa Drinks Reception on 20 January 2026, during the second day of the global gaming conference. The event will take place from 5:30pm to 7:00pm at Fira Barcelona’s Gran Via’s CC4 Delegate Lounge and Sky Garden, and will feature drinks, canapés and entertainment.
This partnership forms part of WiGA’s efforts to promote diversity, equity and inclusion in the gaming industry, while also highlighting Africa’s growth potential. It provides a platform for African regulators, industry leaders and partners to network and discuss the future of gaming in Africa.
According to global igaming benchmarks and sector reports, women hold around 20-40 per cent of positions in the industry, with higher representation at entry and junior levels (up to 40 per cent) but dropping below 20 per cent in management and C-suite roles. WiGA, launched in 2024 and based in Cape Town, supports women working in gaming, betting, lotteries, technology and fintech through events, training and advocacy.
Lois Bright, WiGA Founder, emphasised that the partnership with ICE Barcelona strengthens Africa’s presence in global gaming discussions. She said: “ICE Barcelona is among the major international gaming conferences. Our presence ensures that Africa is not only in the room, but at the forefront of conversations about innovation, regulation and future industry growth.”
Damien Ashton-Wellman, ICE Conference Manager and Head of Content, added: “ICE Barcelona is committed to strengthening our ties to Africa as a driver of global gaming growth. Partnering with WiGA allows us to connect with communities we are committed to championing: under-represented voices in gaming.”
The collaboration comes as Africa’s gaming market reached $1.8bn (€1.66bn) in revenue in 2024, up 12 per cent from 2023. Projections estimate the market will hit $2.04bn (€1.88bn) in 2025, with a 12.5 per cent annual growth rate through to 2030.
