Nominees Shortlisted for the 2026 Sports Betting East Africa Eventus Awards Revealed

(AsiaGameHub) –   The official shortlist of nominees for the Sports Betting East Africa+ Eventus Awards 2026 has been revealed, building excitement for the summit’s 11th edition.

The nominees, who represent the innovation, expertise, and progress defining East Africa’s gaming and betting sector, highlight a collective dedication to operational excellence and the industry’s ongoing development throughout the region.

Scheduled for the summit’s opening day (22 April 2026) at Nairobi’s Argyle Grand Hotel in Kenya, the awards ceremony will be a key feature of the Sports Betting East Africa+ Summit 2026 Official Welcoming Evening, uniting and honouring the market’s foremost operators, regulators, suppliers, and stakeholders.

Award Categories and Nominees

SBEA+ Operator of the Year Award 2026

This award honours operators showing robust market presence, performance, and customer engagement throughout the region.

• Betika
• Pakakumi
• Shabiki
• SportyBet
• SportPesa
• WezaBet

SBEA+ Leader in Virtual Sports Award 2026

This category celebrates progress in virtual sports that is influencing player engagement and product innovation.

• EURO VIRTUALS LIMITED
• GoldenRace
• Inspired Entertainment
• Kiron Interactive
• Skillrock Technologies
• QTech Games

SBEA+ Leader in Sports Betting Award 2026

This award acknowledges outstanding achievement in sports betting technology, services, and overall industry offerings.

• Altenar
• BetConstruct
• BETER
• GR8 Tech
• PlaylogiQ
• Playtech

SBEA+ Leader in Responsible Gambling Award 2026

This recognition is for organisations that advocate for safe, transparent, and responsible gaming practices.

• ComplyGuard
• Global Lab
• Gambling Regulatory Authority – Kenya
• National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board (NLGRB)
• SportPesa
• Betika

SBEA+ Leader in Online Casino Award 2026

This award is for organisations that have contributed to the expansion and enhancement of online casino experiences.

• Choice Gaming
• DSTGAMING
• Pascal Gaming
• QTech Games
• SA Gaming
• SmartSoft

SBEA+ Industry Influencer Award 2026

This award celebrates individuals who are shaping industry dialogue, insights, and thought leadership across the region.

• Agatha Wanjugu, QTech Games
• Brian Ondiso, Shabiki
• Derrick Omwakwe, MulaSport
• Geoffrey Muindi, Gaming NewsByte
• Kaluka Wanjala, iGaming Africa Hub
• Neville Robert Mwange, AfriGaming Bulletin

SBEA+ Supplier of the Year Award 2026

This award recognises suppliers providing dependable, innovative, and effective solutions to operators throughout the market.

• BetConstruct
• BETCORE
• BETER
• GR8 Tech
• Kiron Interactive
• QTech Games

SBEA+ Innovation of the Year Award 2026

This award honours exceptional innovation that fuels product development, efficiency, and new prospects within the industry.

• BetConstruct
• Blask
• Euro Games Technology (EGT)
• NUXGAME
• PlaylogiQ
• QTech Games

“SPiCE” Up Diversity Initiative – Celebrating Women in Gaming Awards

As a component of the SBEA+ Eventus Awards, the “SPiCE” Up Diversity Initiative – Celebrating Women in Gaming acknowledges women who are making significant contributions to the industry’s growth and evolution across the region.

SBEA+ The Spirit of East Africa 2026

This award recognises individuals who personify leadership, integrity, and a deep commitment to the industry’s growth across the region.

• Agatha Wanjugu, QTech Games
• Esther Argwings, Gambling Regulatory Authority
• Purity Wahiu, Stellar Bets
• Sabho Wambura, Vinnare Legal Chambers

SBEA+ East Africa’s Rising Star in Leadership 2026

This category celebrates up-and-coming leaders who show considerable potential and are making a noticeable impact within the industry.

• Aileen Yonah-Mima, Carnaval Kenya Limited
• Ekaterina Mayorova, QTech Games
• Hydah Okinda, Pakakumi
• Judith Macharia, Africa Sports Unified

SBEA+ Innovation Queen of East Africa 2026

This award recognises women who are propelling innovation and forward-thinking ideas across the gaming and betting sector.

• Cynthia Onyango, AGOK
• Emily Asava, SA Gaming
• Margherita Giudetti, PlaylogiQ
• Zsuzsanna Zeibig, EGT

SBEA+ Top Speaker Award 2026

This award honours the speaker distinguished by the quality, relevance, and impact of their presentation.

Please note: The winner of this award will be declared after the conference concludes, following all speaker sessions.

We offer our heartfelt congratulations to every shortlisted nominee. This acknowledgement mirrors the dedication, skill, and influence you consistently contribute to the regional industry. The award winners will be announced on 22 April 2026 during the SBEA+ Summit 2026 Welcoming & Awards Evening.

Let’s Meet in Nairobi!

Come and join us in celebrating the people and companies fostering excellence throughout the industry. Secure your pass for direct access to the operators, regulators, and innovators leading the sector forward.

Register now.