BiG Africa Summit 2026 returns to Gaborone for four-day industry gathering

Gaborone, Botswana, will host the 12th Annual BiG Africa Summit on February 16–19, 2026, bringing together executives, regulators, suppliers, investors, and industry specialists for a four-day program focused on developments in the continent’s gambling and iGaming sector.

Organizers confirmed that the event will take place at The Grand Palm Hotel Casino Convention Resort. The summit has been held for more than a decade and is positioned to gather operators and policymakers who engage with Africa’s regulated and emerging markets.

Program and content tracks

The agenda includes sessions on regional trade opportunities, market entry developments, and responsible gambling initiatives. Planned discussions cover sportsbook and casino operations, compliance trends, and governance frameworks in jurisdictions such as Namibia, Ethiopia, and Botswana.

A series of concurrent breakout seminars — first introduced due to increased participant interest — is designed to deliver targeted content. These include the African Regulatory Seminar, African Operators’ Seminar, SPiCE Up Diversity Seminar, and Ethics and Compliance Seminar. According to organizers, these tracks allow attendees to “explore the topics that matter most to the industry” and participate in discussions that address regulatory changes, operational challenges, and cross-border issues.

Additional sessions are structured to examine “Botswana’s trade potential” and provide insight into technology use in responsible, player-focused ecosystems. The speaker lineup features regulators, executives, and consultants from across the region, including representatives from the Botswana Gambling Authority, Zimbabwe Lotteries and Gaming Board, Eastern Cape Gambling Board, SuperSportBet, SunBet Botswana, and the Centre of Excellence in Responsible Gaming at the University of Gibraltar.

Networking and exhibitions

The summit will open with the BiG Africa Summit 2026 Welcome Reception, followed by pre- and post-event networking gatherings. Organizers said these sessions are intended to broaden engagement opportunities for delegates and create additional space for business meetings.

An expanded exhibition hall will feature suppliers, start-ups, and investors. The format is expected to accommodate demonstrations of gaming technologies, payment solutions, platform offerings, and market-entry services. A “Fast-Track Connections Evening” will also be held to facilitate structured introductions among delegates.

A cultural excursion and farewell dinner will close the event.

Eventus Awards

The BiG Africa Summit Eventus Awards Dinner will take place during the gathering. Organizers said the awards recognize contributions to Africa’s gambling and iGaming sector across five categories:

• Ubuntu Leadership Award for leadership practices that support ethical and collaborative industry conduct.
• Baobab Sustainability Award for initiatives tied to sustainability and responsible gaming.
• Shining Savannah Innovator Award for “the most groundbreaking innovation or technological advancement.”
• Zambezi Rising Star Award for emerging companies or individuals demonstrating potential and commitment to industry standards.
• Mufasa Speaker Excellence Award for the conference speaker delivering the most effective presentation.

Register now for the event here.