full awards shortlist<\/a> on March 25, industry professionals and enthusiasts are invited to cast their votes through the dedicated awards platform by April 10.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHeld under the theme \u201cCelebrating Excellence and Innovation within the African Gaming Industry,\u201d the awards will showcase outstanding achievements from operators, providers, industry leaders, and suppliers across diverse sectors such as technology, corporate social responsibility, responsible gaming, payments, advertising, and platform innovation. The Awards ceremony will take place on the first day of the summit, highlighting the best in the industry. To vote, go to: https:\/\/awards.igasummit.com\/voting <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Next Steps<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Voting phase (April 1\u201310): The igaming in Africa community is invited to share their preferences and recognise the most resonant talents and innovations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. Final selection (April 11\u201318): Industry experts and thought leaders will review supporting materials, taking community votes into account and make the final decisions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The winners in each category will be announced during a prestigious awards ceremony on May 4, 2026, in Nairobi. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The organisers of the awards encourage all nominees to secure their spot early by emailing diana@igamingafrika.com to join in the celebrations and networking opportunities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
iGaming AFRIKA Summit 2026 categories <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Sports Betting Operator of the Year:<\/strong> 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Betway Africa<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- SportPesa<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Betika<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- BetKing\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- SportyBet<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
2. <\/em>Sports Betting Supplier of the Year: <\/strong>Honouring the provider that has made the most significant impact on the African sports betting industry through cutting-edge technology and innovation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- EveryMatrix\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Digitain\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Diamante Tech\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- GoldenRace\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Digient Technologies\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
3. <\/em>Casino of the Year: <\/strong>Recognising the land-based casino operator that has delivered an exceptional guest experience, strong commercial performance, and innovation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Sun City Casino \u2013 South Africa\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Emperors Palace \u2013 South Africa\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The Federal Palace Hotel & Casino \u2013 Nigeria\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Moyo Casino – Kenya\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Mayfair Casino – Kenya\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
4. Casino Supplier of the Year: <\/strong>Celebrating suppliers delivering outstanding products and services to the African land-based casino sector. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Novomatic\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- EGT Digital\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Pragmatic Play\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- FAZI Company\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- QTech Games\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
5. <\/em>Online Casino of the Year:<\/strong> Honouring the operator that has delivered an exceptional online gaming experience with strong game portfolios and RG commitment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Melbet Casino\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Mozzart Casino\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 1XBet Casino\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 22bet Casino\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Hollywoodbets Casino<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
6. Online Slot of the Year: <\/strong>Celebrating the most outstanding slot game launched in Africa over the past 12 months. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- African Gold by 7777 Gaming\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 40 Burning Hot Clover Chance by EGT Digital\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Wild Hot 40 by FAZI Company\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Chest of Cai Shen by Pragmatic Play\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 2025 Hit Slot by Endorphina\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
7. Online Slot Supplier of the Year: <\/strong>Celebrating the supplier delivering outstanding slot game products in the African region. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Amusnet\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Booming Games\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- FAZI Company\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 1spin4win\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Pragmatic Play\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
8. Affiliate Platform of the Year: <\/strong>Honouring companies showcasing exceptional affiliate platform performance, innovation, and service in Africa. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- RavenTrack\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Alanbase\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Affilka by SOFTSWISS\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- AffiGates\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- PartnerMatrix by EveryMatrix\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
9. Affiliate Program of the Year: <\/strong>Recognising affiliate programs demonstrating a strong commitment to mutually beneficial relationships in Africa. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- 1win Partners\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- WinWin Partners\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 1XPartners\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Linebet Partners\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 22Bet Partners<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
10. Platform Provider of the Year: <\/strong>Celebrating suppliers empowering operators with robust, flexible, and secure gaming solutions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- BetConstruct\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Digitain\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Altenar\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- SOFTSWISS\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- BetFounders\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
11. Service Provider of the Year: <\/strong>Honouring expert service providers across consultancy, legal, compliance, payments, marketing, and support. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- SLEC Africa\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Ocean Gaming Consult Ltd\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- iGaming Consult Africa\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Sumsub\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Betting Jobs\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
12. Crash Game of the Year: <\/strong>Celebrating the crash game that has captivated players with fast-paced, high-risk gameplay. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Aviator by SPRIBE\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Matatu by Shacks Evolution\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Shark Rush by SimplePlay\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- JetX by SmartSoft\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Chicken Road by InOut Games\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
13. Crash Game Provider of the Year: <\/strong>Celebrating companies delivering exceptional crash game experiences to African players. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Split the Pot\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- OnlyPlay\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Aviatrix\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- SPRIBE\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- SmartSoft<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
14. Marketing Campaign of the Year: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nCelebrating creative and responsible marketing campaigns delivering measurable success in Africa. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Bola Queens campaign by Bolabet\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Let\u2019s do it Again Campaign by bet9ja\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Betika na Community by Betika\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Play with Champions by SportyBet\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Francis Ngannou x Premier Bet Campaign\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
15. New Operation Launch of the Year:<\/strong> Spotlighting newly launched operations that enhanced player experience and industry standards. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Chopbet\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Pepeta\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Betgr8\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Mulasport\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- ChezaGame\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
16. Emerging Provider of the Year: <\/strong>Recognising companies disrupting the market through innovation, growth, and bold strategy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Choice Gaming\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Leprecoins\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- TaDa Gaming\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- SimplePlay\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- OptimoPlay\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
17. Rising Star in Responsible Gambling: <\/strong>Honouring companies or organisations demonstrating exceptional commitment to player protection and sustainability. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Fisayo Oke, CEO, Gamble Alert – Nigeria\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Tumelo Mokoena, assistant manager: Advocacy and Communication, The South African\u00a0 Responsible Gambling Foundation – South Africa\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Denis Mudene, CEO, National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board – Uganda<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Moruntshi Kemorwale, acting chief executive officer, Gambling Authority – Botswana<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Dr Alfred Gitonga, consultant psychiatrist, responsible gambling Kenya\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
18. Overall Corporate Social Responsibility Award: <\/strong>Recognising companies integrating ethical, social, and environmental stewardship into core operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- SportPesa\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Betika\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Premier Bet\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- betPawa\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Odibets\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
19. CEO of the Year Award: <\/strong>Celebrating chief executives driving growth, innovation, and excellence in African gaming. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Ulrik Bengtsson, group chief executive officer, Sun International\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Mutua Mutava, group chief executive officer, Betika\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Laurence Michel, chairman, Betway Africa\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Sudeep Dalamal Ramnani, chief executive officer, SportyBet\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Gossy Ukanwoke, managing director, KingMakers\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
20. iGaming AFRIKA Choice \u2013 Person of the Year (Male): <\/strong>Celebrating a male individual driving positive change in African iGaming. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- John Mutua, CEO, Association of Gaming Operators Kenya (AGOK)\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Peter Emolemo, CEO, African iGaming Alliance\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Musa Mngadi, CEO, African Lotteries and Gaming Association\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Garron Whitesman, founder, Whitesmans Attorneys\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Christopher Coyne, CEO, 888AFRICA\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
21. iGaming AFRIKA Choice \u2013 Person of the Year (Female): <\/strong>Celebrating a female individual driving positive change in African igaming. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Lois Bright, founder, Women in Gaming Africa\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Sibongile Simelane-Quntana, executive director, The South African Responsible Gambling\u00a0 Foundation (SARGF)\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Olabimpe Akingba, head of responsible gaming, pawaTech\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Sabrina H. Msuya, chairperson, Tanzania Sports Betting Association<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Dianne Maina, country manager, SportyBet Kenya\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
22. iGaming AFRIKA Choice \u2013 Fairplay Organisation of the Year: <\/strong>Celebrating organisations advocating for proper regulation and fair play in African igaming. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Choplife Gaming\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority (LSLGA)\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Association of Nigerian Bookmakers (ANB)\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Gambling Regulatory Authority of Kenya (GRA)\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Gaming Board of Tanzania (GBT)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
23. Advertising Network of the Year: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Adsterra\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- RichAds\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- PropellerAds\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- ROIads\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Kadam\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
24. Payment Service Provider of the Year: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- PawaPay\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Bitlipa\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Flexifai\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Kotani Pay\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- PalmPay\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
25. Retail Provider of the Year: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Stellar Bets\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- GoldenRace\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Kiron Interactive\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Highlight Games\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Clickobet\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Voting is now open for the inaugural iGaming AFRIKA Summit 2026 Awards. Industry professionals can cast votes via the official platform until April 10, ahead of the Nairobi ceremony.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":176,"featured_media":21967,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"is_press_release":true,"is_interview":false,"is_opinion":false,"focusai_summary":"Voting is now open for the inaugural iGaming AFRIKA Summit 2026 Awards, with industry professionals able to cast votes until April 10 for the Nairobi ceremony. These awards aim to celebrate excellence and innovation across diverse gaming verticals, including sports betting, casino, online casino, slots, and affiliate services, within the African iGaming industry. Winners will be announced on May 4, 2026, following a final selection process by industry experts.","focusai_entities":"iGaming AFRIKA Summit, Betway Africa, SportPesa, Betika, BetKing, SportyBet, EveryMatrix, Digitain, Diamante Tech, GoldenRace, Digient Technologies, Sun City Casino, Emperors Palace, The Federal Palace Hotel & Casino, Moyo Casino, Mayfair Casino, Novomatic, EGT Digital, Pragmatic Play, FAZI Company, QTech Games, Melbet Casino, Mozzart Casino, 1XBet Casino, 22bet Casino, Hollywoodbets Casino, 7777 Gaming, Endorphina, Amusnet, Booming Games, 1spin4win, RavenTrack, Alanbase, SOFTSWISS, AffiGates, PartnerMatrix, 1wi","focusai_location":"Nairobi, Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria","focusai_target_profile":"ceo_executive (0.9), compliance_legal (0.7), operator_casino (1.0), affiliate_publisher (0.9), product_ux (0.85), tech_data (0.85), marketing_crm (0.8), payments_fraud_aml (0.7), investor_analyst (0.9), supplier_vendor (1.0), journalist_researcher (0.9)","focusai_suggestions":[{"label":"African Market Growth Drivers","query":"What specific market dynamics and regulatory shifts in the African iGaming landscape are driving the innovation and excellence recognized by these awards, particularly in emerging verticals?"},{"label":"Award Impact on Valuation","query":"How might winning an iGaming AFRIKA Summit Award influence the market valuation, investor sentiment, or M&A prospects for both B2B suppliers and B2C operators active in the African region?"}],"footnotes":""},"categories":[60013,60156,60681,60018],"tags":[60943,60847],"class_list":["post-21966","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-east-africa","category-events-articles","category-igaming-afrika-summit-2026","category-partner-news","tag-iga-summit-awards-2026","tag-igaming-afrika-summit-2026","press-release"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/focusgn.com\/africa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21966","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/focusgn.com\/africa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/focusgn.com\/africa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/focusgn.com\/africa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/176"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/focusgn.com\/africa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=21966"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/focusgn.com\/africa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21966\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":21970,"href":"https:\/\/focusgn.com\/africa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21966\/revisions\/21970"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/focusgn.com\/africa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/21967"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/focusgn.com\/africa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=21966"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/focusgn.com\/africa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=21966"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/focusgn.com\/africa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=21966"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}