Nominations Open for the 2026 iGaming AFRIKA Summit Awards

The iGaming AFRIKA Summit (iGA Summit) has opened nominations for its 2026 Industry Awards, recognising the companies and individuals shaping Africa’s gaming industry and its growing influence on the global market.

The awards will be presented during the iGaming AFRIKA Summit 2026, taking place from 4th–6th May 2026 in Nairobi, Kenya. Positioned as The Heart of Gaming in Africa, the summit brings together African and global iGaming stakeholders for three days of discussion, insight-sharing, and networking, with a focus on understanding how African markets operate in practice. At a time when localisation and cultural awareness are increasingly important to the industry, the summit provides a setting where these perspectives are part of the conversation.

Held under the theme “Celebrating Gaming Excellence in Africa,” the 2026 iGaming AFRIKA Summit Awards mark the inaugural edition of the ceremony and will take place on 5th May 2026. The awards will feature a carefully curated set of categories that reflect how the industry has evolved in practice. Beyond commercial performance, the awards will recognise leadership in compliance, payments infrastructure, responsible operations, and sustainable growth.

“Recognizing the brands and professionals that are leading the way in the gaming industry in Africa is essential for fostering growth within the industry,” said Jeremiah Maangi, CEO, iGaming AFRIKA.

“We are confident that these awards will inspire more to pursue excellence and invest in their development.”

Nominations are open through a self-nomination process, allowing companies and individuals to submit entries across relevant categories, with submissions closing on 29th January 2026. All entries will then be reviewed by a panel of industry experts and stakeholders against predefined criteria. Shortlisted nominees will be notified by 31st January and invited to submit supporting statements outlining their achievements, innovations, and market impact over the past year.

Judging and voting will take place between 1st and 10th March 2026, followed by a public shortlist reveal on 13th March 2026. Winners will be announced during the live awards ceremony on 5th May 2026 in Nairobi.

Nominations are submitted online through the iGaming AFRIKA Summit Awards website: https://awards.igasummit.com/awards. To enter, applicants click the “Submit a Nomination” button and complete the nomination form with the required details.

Awards Categories

1. 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, with a focus on product innovation, user experience, Corporate Social Responsibility, Responsible Marketing, Compliance, and Responsible Gaming.

2. Sports Betting Supplier of the Year
Honouring the provider that has made the most significant impact in Africa’s sports betting industry through cutting-edge technology and innovative products.

3. Casino of the Year
Recognising the land-based casino operator that has delivered an exceptional guest experience, strong commercial performance, and innovation in both gaming and non-gaming offerings.

4. Casino Supplier of the Year
Celebrating the supplier that has delivered outstanding products and services to the land-based casino sector, including gaming machines, systems, table technology, and essential solutions.

5. Online Casino of the Year
Honouring the operator that has delivered an exceptional online gaming experience through a strong game portfolio, user-friendly platform, innovative features, and commitment to Responsible Gaming.

6. Online Slot of the Year
Celebrating the most outstanding slot game launched in Africa over the past 12 months, captivating players with unique themes, immersive mechanics, and rewarding bonus structures.

7. Online Slot Supplier of the Year
Celebrating the supplier that has delivered outstanding slot game products in Africa over the past year.

8. Affiliate Platform of the Year
Awarded to a company showcasing exceptional performance, innovation, and service within the African iGaming affiliate marketing space.

9. Affiliate Program of the Year
Honouring the affiliate program demonstrating strong commitment to mutually beneficial relationships with African affiliates.

10. Platform Provider of the Year
Celebrating the supplier empowering operators with robust, flexible, and secure solutions for online and land-based gaming operations.

11. Service Provider of the Year
Honouring providers offering consultancy, legal, marketing, compliance, payments, customer support, or other specialist services.

12. Crash Game of the Year
Celebrating the crash game that has captivated players with fast-paced, high-risk, high-reward gameplay.

13. Crash Game Provider of the Year
Recognising a company delivering standout crash game experiences to African players.

14. Marketing Campaign of the Year
Celebrating a highly creative campaign achieving outstanding engagement and measurable results while maintaining high standards of player protection.

15. New Operation Launch of the Year
Spotlighting a newly launched operation that has enhanced player experience or advanced industry standards.

16. Emerging Company of the Year
Recognising a rapidly growing or new company disrupting the market with innovation and bold strategy.

17. Rising Star in Responsible Gambling
Honouring a company making exceptional efforts in player protection, community engagement, and sustainability.

18. Overall Corporate Responsibility Award
Honouring a company integrating ethical, social, and environmental stewardship into its core strategy.

19. CEO of the Year Award
Celebrating a chief executive driving growth, innovation, and team excellence.

20. iGaming AFRIKA Choice – Person of the Year (Male)
Celebrating a male individual driving positive change across African iGaming.

21. iGaming AFRIKA Choice – Person of the Year (Female)
Celebrating a female individual driving positive change across African iGaming.

22. iGaming AFRIKA Choice – Fairplay Star of the Year
Celebrating organisations advocating proper regulation and fair play in African iGaming.