West Africa is establishing itself as one of Africa’s most dynamic gaming markets, and the region’s two leading events will now share a stage for the first time. The 11th Annual Sports Betting West Africa+ Summit, known as SBWA+, and the 2nd Annual Gaming Event Francophone Africa, known as GEFA, will run concurrently in Dakar, Senegal from 14 to 16 October 2026.
Key Highlights
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SBWA+ 2026 and GEFA 2026 run concurrently for the first time, from 14 to 16 October in Dakar, Senegal
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Brings together regulators, operators, legal experts, affiliates, suppliers, and payment specialists
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Opens 14 October with the SBWA+ Welcoming and Eventus Awards Evening
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SBWA+ Eventus Awards 2026 nominations are open across ten categories
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Nomination portal closes 2 October 2026 at 17:00 South Africa Time, with the shortlist announced 7 October
Two Events, One Region
Regulatory reform, technological innovation, and investment have created new opportunities across both Anglophone and Francophone gaming markets in West Africa, and the region has become a focal point for industry growth as a result. Running SBWA+ and GEFA concurrently for the first time is meant to create a single platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and business development that spans both language communities rather than serving them separately.
Dakar was chosen as host city partly because Senegal sits at the crossroads of both markets the organizers are trying to bring together. Anglophone operators active in Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya have historically attended separate events from their Francophone counterparts in Senegal, Ivory Coast, and Cameroon, even though many of the same suppliers, payment providers, and regulators work across both regions. Bringing SBWA+ and GEFA together under one roof and one set of dates is designed to close that gap rather than ask the industry to keep choosing between two calendars.
Welcoming Evening and Awards
The programme opens on 14 October with the SBWA+ Welcoming and Eventus Awards Evening, an occasion for industry peers to reconnect, establish new business relationships, and celebrate the organisations and individuals that have made a significant contribution to the industry before the conference sessions begin the following day.
Ten Award Categories, Two Regions
The SBWA+ Eventus Awards recognise excellence, innovation, and leadership across Africa’s gaming industry, with nominations open in ten categories. These include Supplier of the Year, Innovation of the Year, Operator of the Year, Leader in Virtual Sports, Leader in Online Casino, Leader in Responsible Gambling, and Leader in Sports Betting, alongside Outstanding Industry Influencer and Outstanding Consultant awards. An Outstanding Speaker Award will be presented once all conference discussions have concluded, ensuring every speaker on the programme has had the chance to participate before judging.
A dedicated Celebrating Women in Gaming category adds two further awards: Innovation Queen of West Africa, honouring a woman whose innovative thinking has helped drive progress and diversity within the industry, and West Africa’s Rising Star in Leadership, recognising an emerging female leader who has made a meaningful impact.
Awards Timeline
The nomination portal closes on 2 October 2026 at 17:00 South Africa Time, with the shortlist announced on 7 October and the SBWA+ Eventus Awards Ceremony taking place on 14 October, the same evening the summit officially opens. Organizers are encouraging industry professionals to submit nominations recognising the companies and individuals raising standards across the continent’s gaming sector.
Sponsorship and Registration
With registrations continuing to grow, organizers say a limited number of sponsorship and exhibition opportunities remain available for companies looking to reach regulators, operators, and suppliers across both the Anglophone and Francophone markets in one setting. Industry professionals hoping to attend are advised to register early to secure a place at what organizers describe as three days of insight, networking, and business development in Dakar.
For sponsors, the combined format offers a wider audience than either event delivered on its own, spanning payment specialists, legal advisers, and suppliers who serve operators on both sides of the Anglophone and Francophone divide. Organizers expect the concurrent structure to become the standard format for future editions if this year’s turnout meets expectations.
Registration and Press Details
Registration for SBWA+ and GEFA 2026 is open now at the event’s official registration page. Both events are produced by Eventus International. Sponsorship and press inquiries can be directed to Lou Mari Burnett, Chief Operating Officer at Eventus International.
Frequently Asked Questions
What events are happening in Dakar in October 2026?
The 11th Annual Sports Betting West Africa Summit and the 2nd Annual Gaming Event Francophone Africa will take place concurrently in Dakar, Senegal from 14 to 16 October 2026.
Why are the SBWA+ and GEFA events being held together?
The events are being held together for the first time to create a single platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and business development across both Anglophone and Francophone gaming markets in West Africa.
What can attendees expect at the SBWA+ 2026 event?
Attendees can expect to engage with regulators, operators, legal experts, affiliates, suppliers, and payment specialists, as well as participate in the SBWA+ Welcoming and Eventus Awards Evening.
How can I participate in the Eventus Awards for SBWA+ 2026?
Nominations for the Eventus Awards are open across ten categories, and the nomination portal will close on 2 October 2026 at 17:00 South Africa Time.
