Sports Betting West Africa+ Summit 2026 Overview
The Sports Betting West Africa+ summit (SBWA+ 2026) takes place October 14-16, 2026, at Labadi Beach Hotel in Accra, Ghana. Eventus International organizes this major industry summit for betting and iGaming professionals. The event runs for 3 full days in a combined conference-and-expo format. More than 70 speakers from Ghana, Nigeria, other African countries, and international companies participate. The summit brings together operators, technology providers, regulators, payment providers, affiliates, and compliance experts. SBWA+ 2026 focuses on the Sports Betting West Africa market and attracts both regional participants and worldwide attendees. From 2026, the summit shifts to a biennial schedule. Gaming Commission of Ghana and GHASBO provide official support. The three-day program includes keynote sessions, panel discussions, exhibitions, and multiple networking formats.
What Is SBWA+ and Who Attends
SBWA+ is the leading betting and iGaming summit in West Africa. It brings together industry professionals for a three-day conference and exhibition held biennially in Accra, Ghana.
| Attendee Type | Main Benefits |
|---|---|
| Betting and Casino Operators | Direct access to regulators from Ghana and Nigeria, discussion of licensing requirements and tax regimes, selection of technology and content suppliers for site upgrades |
| Technology and Content Suppliers | Find operator clients across the region, present sportsbook and casino solutions, and understand African market specifics through first-hand insights and direct face-to-face meetings |
| Affiliates and Partner Networks | Case studies on player acquisition and retention in mobile markets, exchange of local traffic practices, and offers tailored to West African specifics |
| Payment Providers and Fintech | Meetings with operators who need fast deposit and withdrawal methods, discussion of mobile money integrations, and local provider partnerships |
| Data and Tech Experts | Showcase advanced cybersecurity tools and compliance solutions, present fraud prevention systems and data protection methods that meet strict international standards |
| Small Entrepreneurs | Access to industry leaders and potential partners, an affordable entry point to the betting market through vendor connections, and practical business insights |
Event Dates, Location, and Format
Sports Betting West Africa takes place over three full days in October 2026 at a coastal venue in Ghana’s capital. The summit combines formal conference sessions with exhibition areas and multiple networking formats to connect operators, regulators, and technology providers from the West African region.
| Logistics Component | Specific Details |
|---|---|
| Event dates | 14–16 October 2026 (Wednesday to Friday) |
| Venue facility | Labadi Beach Hotel |
| City and country | Accra, Ghana |
| Event cycle | Biennial format (once every two years beginning in 2026) |
| Conference structure | Panel discussions, keynote speeches, thematic tracks covering regulation, marketing, technology, payments, compliance |
| Exhibition floor | Provider booths showcasing platforms, payment solutions, KYC/AML tools, cybersecurity vendors, and game content suppliers |
| Networking formats | Welcome cocktail reception, daily organized lunch networking, informal meeting zones, and evening social gatherings |
| Daily program | Full-day schedule from morning sessions through evening events |
Daily Schedule Highlights
The three-day event at Sports Betting West Africa takes place from October 14 to 16, 2026, at the Labadi Beach Hotel in Accra. Every day brings new content and chances to connect for people in the betting industry.
- Day 1 – Opening and First Contacts: The summit kicks off with a welcome session where the organizers and partners outline the agenda. After that, there will be panel discussions featuring officials from the Gaming Commission of Ghana and representatives from the region. The exhibition area opens up with over 15 vendor stands displaying their betting services. To wrap up the day, there’s a welcome cocktail where attendees can start mingling and making connections;
- Day 2 – Thematic Tracks and Case Studies: Participants can pick from 4 parallel tracks focused on marketing tactics, tech integrations, payment systems, and compliance automation. Speakers will share actual case studies about acquiring and keeping mobile traffic. Vendors will show their products live at their booths, and the networking lunch offers a chance for more in-depth discussions;
- Day 3 – Strategy and Deal-Making: The last day centers on discussions about market predictions for Ghana and Nigeria in the next two years. By now, everyone is familiar with each other, so they move on to partnership talks and actual deal negotiations before heading home.
Key Themes for the Sports Betting West Africa Market
SBWA+ 2026 includes six main areas that focus on the real needs of operators, affiliates, tech providers, payment companies, and regulators. Every theme gives practical tips and clear advantages for businesses.
- Marketing and traffic sessions show ways to draw in and keep mobile-first bettors using social media, affiliate networks, and bonus tactics aimed at West African markets;
- Trends in products and games highlight virtual sports integrations, crash games like Aviator, and mobile-friendly tools that raise player engagement and improve revenue for each active user;
- Payments and mobile money talks are about bringing together M-Pesa, MTN Mobile Money, and more than 20 local services to speed up transactions and lower processing fees by as much as 40%;
- Growth panels focused on data show you how to use player analytics and tools for managing risk. This helps you boost customer lifetime value while cutting down on fraud losses in your operations;
- Regional collaboration gathers regulators from Ghana, Nigeria, and nearby countries to talk about cross-border licensing rules and shared compliance standards for the whole sub-region;
- The long-term growth of the market looks at how the Sports Betting West Africa’s move to a biennial format shows the industry is maturing and what this could mean for planning ahead until 2028.
Featured Speakers and Profiles
The summit brings together industry leaders to share useful ideas about the local betting market. People get to meet directly with regulators, operators, marketing experts, and tech providers who influence the Sports Betting West Africa scene.
| Speaker | Role/Organization | Key Focus at SBWA+ |
|---|---|---|
| Bashiru Amissa Donbine | Deputy commissioner in Strategy & Development, Gaming Commission of Ghana | Strategic regulatory vision and future development plans for the Ghana betting industry |
| Francis Ifi | Managing director, BetBaba | Brand-building strategies and market positioning in Nigeria’s competitive betting sector |
| Edward Oluigbo | Country manager in Punter Clash, and a founder of Predict International | Development of social betting platforms with community engagement models |
| Abarefa Anthony Adediji | Digital marketing specialist & affiliate manager, Secret Bet | Effective traffic acquisition channels and affiliate partnership management approaches |
| Ekaterina Mayorova | Senior sales manager, QTech Games | Game content portfolio and African player preferences for mobile slots |
| Aaron Markowitz-Shulman | CFO, pawaPay | Mobile money API integration and payment processing across 20+ African countries |
| Daniel Grabher | Founder & CEO, ComplyGuard | Automated compliance verification solutions and risk management tools for operators |
Exhibition Brands and Solutions
The exhibition space at Sports Betting West Africa brings together operators and 13 providers who showcase tools for technology, content, payments, and compliance to help them start and grow in Ghana, Nigeria, and nearby markets.
| Brand | Solution Type | Why It Matters for West African Operators |
|---|---|---|
| BetConstruct | Sportsbook and casino software | Covers sports, poker, esports, and retail in one package |
| DSTGAMING | Casino aggregation and payment gateways | Fast integration of multiple game studios and local payment methods |
| QTech Games | Mobile-first game library | Thousands of games optimized for smartphone play |
| 1xBet | Betting and casino brand | White-label and partnership opportunities with proven scale |
| ComplyGuard | Automated compliance and cybersecurity | Reduces manual checks and speeds up regulatory reporting |
| LexisNexis Risk Solutions | KYC and fraud prevention | Verifies users and flags suspicious accounts in real time |
| Sumsub | Identity verification and AML | Quick onboarding without sacrificing compliance standards |
| Gamingtec | Turnkey casino with 10,000+ games | Launch-ready setup with 24/7 technical support |
| 18Peaches | Premium slot content | High-engagement mechanics for retention |
| Aviatrix | Game studio | Top-notch and modern crash games |
| pawaPay | Mobile money API | Connects to mobile networks in over 20 African countries |
| PrideSpins | Local operator showcase | Demonstrates Aviator integration and regional marketing tactics |
| Black Lagoon Games | Hybrid online and offline games | Bridges land-based and digital audiences |
Ticket Types and Prices
The Sports Betting West Africa summit, set for October 2026 in Accra, offers several ways to register, depending on where you’re coming from and what business you’re in. Registration categories separate international delegates, participants from other African countries, people registering from Ghana, and affiliate marketing professionals, each with their own pricing.
| Ticket Type | Price | Key Inclusions |
|---|---|---|
| 3-day for international guests | €995 | All conference sessions, exhibition access, daily lunches, coffee breaks, and beverages |
| 3-day for visitors from Africa | €795 | All sessions, exhibition access, meals, welcome reception, and networking activities |
| 3-day for guests from Ghana | €595 | Full conference access, exhibition, daily meals, welcome reception, networking |
| 3-day for affiliates | €595 | Complete session access, exhibition, daily meals, and networking opportunities |
| 2-day for international guests | €795 | Two-day sessions, exhibition access, lunches, coffee service, and etworking |
| 2-day for visitors from Africa | €595 | Two days of access, exhibition, meals, and networking activities |
| 2-day for guests from Ghana | €395 | Two days of access, exhibition, meals, and networking sessions |
Accommodation and Travel Tips
Visitors from abroad planning to go to Sports Betting West Africa in October 2026 should sort out their travel and accommodation arrangements ahead of time. Good planning helps people from all over the world sidestep issues and concentrate on their work.
- Reserve your spot at Labadi Beach Hotel, as all the sessions take place right there;
- Check out some nearby choices: La Palm Royal Beach Hotel and Accra Marriott Hotel have good rooms close by;
- Check out the event website. Book through the official site for cheaper group rates;
- Set up your airport rides – Kotoka International Airport is just 8 kilometers away, so it’s a good idea to book your transport in advance;
- Check the visa rules: most nationalities need entry visas for Ghana, so be sure to apply 4 to 6 weeks in advance;
- Take a few more days – Accra has markets, coastal forts, and restaurants that are definitely worth checking out.
Why SBWA+ matters for bettors and small operators
SBWA+ 2026 brings together enthusiastic bettors, content creators, and new operators with suppliers, regulators, and fintech companies. The event gives you direct access to information and tools that help boost growth in the sports betting market in West Africa.
- Find out what local gamers are looking for and how they act in mobile-first markets like Ghana and Nigeria;
- Check out fresh crash games, virtual sports, and slots from over 10 game makers right on the exhibition floor;
- Look for payment options that work with MTN Mobile Money, M-Pesa, and over 20 other mobile money services in Africa;
- Get to know brands, operators, and suppliers in person over three days filled with talks, exhibits, and networking events;
- Look for ways to team up with affiliates, tech companies, local betting shops, and fintech firms at Labadi Beach Hotel;
- Get information from officials at the Gaming Commission of Ghana about licensing rules and compliance standards.
FAQ
Who should attend SBWA+ 2026?
SBWA+ 2026 focuses on operators, affiliates, payment providers, tech suppliers, consultants, and newcomers looking to join the Sports Betting West Africa scene. Regulators, fintech firms, cybersecurity pros, and compliance experts show up to network with industry leaders and form partnerships.
Is SBWA+ suitable for beginners in the sports betting business?
SBWA+ provides beginner panels, vendor demos, and networking opportunities for newcomers and small projects. Newcomers to the Sports Betting West Africa scene can meet suppliers, check out product demos, and form partnerships over the three days of the conference in Accra.
What is included in the ticket price?
Tickets for Sports Betting West Africa give you access to all the conference sessions, the exhibition area, daily lunches, coffee breaks, and drinks. Anyone with a ticket can join the official networking events and the welcome reception. Three-day passes now go for between €595 and €995, based on where you are.
How can I make the most of networking at SBWA+?
Make a straightforward list of your goals before the summit kicks off. Schedule meetings with important contacts ahead of time. Check out booths that fit what your business needs. Join for the welcome cocktail and lunch to meet others. Over three days, get together in casual meetups to create solid connections.