BiG Africa Summit returns to Botswana in February 2026 

The BiG Africa Summit returns for its 12th edition February 16-19, 2026 at The Grand Palm Hotel Casino Convention Resort in Gaborone, Botswana. The conference targets regulators, gaming operators, and investors navigating Africa’s fragmented regulatory landscape and emerging market opportunities.

This year’s format introduces concurrent breakout seminars – a response to requests for more specialized content beyond general panel discussions. Four dedicated tracks address regulatory adaptation, operator strategy, industry diversity, and compliance frameworks.

New seminar structure

The breakout format divides content into targeted sessions:

African Regulatory Seminar – For government officials and licensing authorities addressing evolving regulations, technology integration, and cross-border enforcement challenges.

African Operators’ Seminar – Focused on market entry strategies, regulatory navigation, and sustainable growth models for betting and gaming platforms operating across multiple jurisdictions.

SPiCE Up Diversity Seminar – Examining diversity and inclusion initiatives within gaming and technology sectors, with emphasis on actionable implementation rather than aspirational statements.

Ethics and Compliance Seminar – Covering responsible gaming frameworks, player protection mechanisms, and strategies for managing regulatory complexity across different African markets.

When evaluating Africa’s gaming sector, a clear distinction must be made between needs. Operators require market intelligence and partnership opportunities, while regulators need frameworks for managing technological change and cross-border activity.

Speaker lineup focuses on regulatory and operational expertise

Confirmed speakers include:

• Moruntshi Kemorwale, Acting CEO, Botswana Gambling Authority
• Blessing Makunda, Board Member, Zimbabwe Lotteries and Gaming Board
• Zuko Phandle, Manager: Audit & Compliance, Eastern Cape Gambling Board
• Emolemo Peter Kesitilwe, CEO, African iGaming Alliance
• Justice Ditlhong, Head of Compliance, SuperSportBet
• Ngabe Franklin, iGaming Attorney, Prima Attorneys
• Judith Glynn, Head of Responsible Gambling Policy, Centre of Excellence in Responsible Gaming, University of Gibraltar

This year’s roster leans toward regulatory officials and compliance specialists – reflecting the summit’s positioning as a policy-focused event addressing how African markets handle gaming regulation.

Botswana’s positioning

Botswana is hosting again after moving to position itself as a regional hub for regulated gaming. Botswana has introduced clearer online betting categories and updated licensing rules aimed at balancing market access with consumer protection.

Botswana’s approach contrasts with neighboring jurisdictions where regulatory uncertainty has either pushed operators into informal markets or discouraged entry altogether. The summit offers operators a way to assess whether Botswana’s model can inform approaches in other African markets.

Exhibition floor and startup showcase

The event also includes an exhibition floor where gaming technology providers, payment processors, and compliance vendors demonstrate tools designed for realities such as patchy banking infrastructure and mobile-first usage across many regions.

A dedicated startup and investor section connects early-stage gaming companies with funding sources, addressing a recurring challenge for African gaming ventures that struggle to attract capital due to perceived regulatory risk and market fragmentation.

Awards program

The BiG Africa Summit Eventus Awards recognize operational and leadership achievements across five categories:

• Ubuntu Leadership Award (industry leadership and ethical practices)
• Baobab Sustainability Award (responsible gaming implementation)
• Shining Savannah Innovator Award (technology advancement)
• Zambezi Rising Star Award (emerging company or individual)
• Mufasa Speaker Excellence Award (conference presentation quality)

Nominations are open through the summit website.

Networking format

The event structures networking through pre-summit reception, post-session drinks, a “Fast-Track Connections” evening using structured introductions, and a closing awards dinner. The format adds more structure to networking. Addressing feedback that previous editions lacked efficient connection opportunities for attendees targeting specific partnership types.

Registration and participation

Delegate registration is open at bigafricasummit.com. Exhibition and sponsorship inquiries go to [email protected]. Speaking slot requests should be directed to [email protected].

The summit runs four days, allowing time for both formal sessions and informal discussions that often produce more actionable outcomes than mainstage presentations.

For operators assessing where to enter and regulators reviewing licensing approaches, or investors assessing gaming opportunities across the continent, the BiG Africa Summit offers concentrated access to decision-makers who shape how Africa’s gaming sector develops.

BiG Africa Summit 2026:

• Dates: February 16-19, 2026
• Location: The Grand Palm Hotel Casino Convention Resort, Gaborone, Botswana
• Registration: bigafricasummit.com