Gaming industry relies on fintech, Blockchain for expansion
July 13, 2026 12:34 am
CEO of iGaming AFRIKA, Jeremiah Maangi
By Justice Okamgba
Africa’s gaming industry is turning to fintech, blockchain, digital payments and emerging technologies to support its next phase of growth, as operators, regulators, investors and technology providers prepare to converge at the 2027 iGaming AFRIKA Summit
The summit, scheduled to return to the Sarit Expo Centre, follows the success of its inaugural edition in 2026, which attracted more than 3,300 delegates from over 100 countries and brought together key stakeholders across Africa’s gaming ecosystem and global markets
The event featured more than 100 speakers across two stages and hosted exhibitions showcasing innovations from operators, regulators, investors and technology providers
Chief Executive Officer of iGaming AFRIKA, Jeremiah Maangi, said the 2027 edition would build on the momentum of the inaugural summit by focusing on technology, investment and sustainable growth within Africa’s gaming sector
“We are coming back bigger and stronger than ever before. Building on the tremendous success of our past edition, we are committed to organizing the best gaming event in Africa, not just in terms of size, but in quality and impact,” Maangi said in a statement on Sunday
He continued, “Our goal is to set a new standard for excellence in the industry, bringing together top minds, innovations, and opportunities the continent has to offer.”
The 2027 summit will focus on key areas shaping the future of Africa’s gaming industry, including regulation, technology, advertising and marketing, payments, crypto, responsible gaming, community empowerment and esports
Organisers said discussions at the summit would draw on global developments and data from the worldwide gaming industry, with a focus on how technology and innovation can support sustainable growth across Africa’s gaming ecosystem
“Africa is no longer an emerging gaming market; it is one of the industry’s fastest-growing frontiers. iGA Summit exists to connect the people, ideas and investments that will shape the next chapter of that growth, and we’re excited to welcome an even broader international audience in 2027,” Maangi said
The 2027 edition is expected to expand its global footprint by attracting a broader mix of C-suite executives, regulators, investors and technology providers, with organisers targeting participation from delegates across more than 120 countries
The summit will also feature additional exhibition space to accommodate a growing number of exhibitors showcasing solutions and services across gaming technology, digital payments, fintech infrastructure and related sectors
The iGA Summit Organising Committee said feedback from the inaugural edition had influenced preparations for the 2027 event
“iGA Summit has always been built by the industry, for the industry. The feedback we received from our inaugural edition has become the foundation of our planning for 2027. By listening to our community and acting on their recommendations, we are confident that the next edition will deliver an even richer experience and create greater value for all stakeholders across Africa’s gaming ecosystem,” the organising committee stated
The announcement highlights the growing role of technology in Africa’s gaming industry, particularly as companies explore digital payment solutions, blockchain applications and other innovations to improve access, efficiency and participation in the sector
Africa’s gaming market has increasingly attracted attention from global operators, technology companies and investors seeking opportunities in a continent with a rapidly expanding digital economy, growing internet adoption and increasing demand for online services
The iGA Summit organisers said the event would reinforce Africa’s position as a destination for gaming innovation, investment and regulatory dialogue
Justice Okamgba
Justice has over three years experience spanning digital and print media. At The PUNCH, he currently covers the automobile sector with special interest in features and industry analysis
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