Dakar to Host SBWA+ and GEFA 2026 as Africa's Betting Industry Meets Under One Roof

Senegal's capital becomes the meeting point for African gaming this October. The 11th Sports Betting West Africa+ (SBWA+) Summit and the second Gaming Event Francophone Africa (GEFA) run together from 14 to 16 October 2026 at the King Fahd Palace Hôtel in Dakar. With less than three weeks left, the combined event links English-speaking and French-speaking markets in one venue for the first time. Organisers want delegates from both regions to trade ideas, build partnerships and close deals over three days.

Two Conferences, One Agenda

Merging the two events gives operators a single place to follow the issues driving African betting. Sessions cover regulation, payments, technology, online betting growth and investment across West and Francophone Africa. The guest list spans the whole industry. Sportsbook and online casino operators will sit alongside regulators, state lotteries, affiliates, software suppliers, payment firms, lawyers and technology specialists.

Awards Night Opens the Programme

Proceedings start on 14 October with a welcome evening and the SBWA+ Eventus Awards. The ceremony honours companies and people driving progress in Africa's gaming sector, with plenty of time set aside for networking. Award categories reward work in several fields:

• Innovation in online casino products
• Outstanding sports betting operations
• Gaming supply and B2B services
• Virtual sports
• Responsible gambling programmes
• Leadership within the industry
• Technology solutions
• Consulting and industry influence

Two further honours focus on women in gaming. The Innovation Queen of West Africa and West Africa's Rising Star in Leadership recognise female professionals making a visible mark on the sector.

Nomination Dates to Note

Entries close on 2 October 2026, so time is short for anyone planning to submit a nominee. Organisers will name finalists on 7 October, and winners will be announced on stage on 14 October.

Why the Dakar Meeting Matters

Organisers describe SBWA+ and GEFA 2026 as a chance to deepen partnerships, share market knowledge and open new commercial doors. The joint format lets anglophone and francophone businesses meet directly, rather than at separate regional events. African sports betting and online casino markets keep expanding, and each market brings its own rules, payment habits and players. A shared room in Dakar gives operators, affiliates and suppliers a practical way to compare notes and plan their next move on the continent.