Billed as the largest gathering of gaming stakeholders in Africa, the impending Africa Gaming Expo promises to be a dynamic convergence of investors, including industry leaders and government officials, who will spark conversations around trends in the industry, writes Iyke Bede
In the build-up to the highly anticipated Africa Gaming Expo (AGE) Lagos, scheduled to be held from March 12 through to March 15, 2024, at the Eko Hotel and Suites Convention Centre, the elements are gradually firming up for a spectacular exhibition of innovation in the gaming industry ecosystem that includes sports betting, lottery and casino, eSports, online and mobile gaming, fintech and banks (payment platforms), among others.
In this dynamic convergence of stakeholders, including industry leaders and government officials, who will spark conversations around trends in the industry, AGE Lagos boasts of a growing roster of remarkable exhibitors, one of which currently has Modern Lottery and Evolution Gaming in its lineup.
Noted for the crucial role it will play in assembling the largest gathering of stakeholders, AGE Lagos promises to be a pivotal event for fostering collaboration, networking, and knowledge-sharing within the gaming industry ecosystem, with a special focus on the intersections of the gaming industry.
The exhibition arm of the summit will provide the much-needed platform for market exposure for existing products, as well as new products on a continental and even global scale. As the exhibition booths rapidly fill up, there’s a buzz surrounding the opportunity to secure a space and be part of the immersive experience at a discounted rate that reverts to the regular procurement fees on February 1, 2024.
Of course, AGE Lagos transcends a mere display of products and services offered by stakeholders. It is a melting pot of ideas on advancing the gaming sector through insightful discussions viewed through the lens of seasoned panellists and elaborate paper presentations by experts and leaders in the industry.
Confirmed speakers at this edition cut across various fields, bringing together a diverse range of expertise and perspectives to the forefront. From accomplished industry leaders to visionary researchers to select government officials, the lineup reflects the summit’s commitment to offering attendees a well-rounded and insightful experience on trends and advancements in the sector.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu will don the toga of chief host and keynote speaker to deliver the dynamic working relationship between the state and stakeholders in providing an enabling environment for the expanding gaming sector in the state. He will be joined by the Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State Lotteries & Gaming Authority, Bashir Are, who will provide more insights into the milestones attained by his organisation while highlighting various trends of note.
In a remarkable move, representatives of reputable gaming bodies such as the Gaming Standard Association (GSA), United States, Malta eSports Association, and Gambling Research Exchange Ontario will also show their mark through in-depth contributions. They include Managing Director, GSA Europe / Vice President, IGSA, Mark Pace; President of Malta Esports Association, Legal & Compliance Professional – Gambling/Esports/AML, Michele Magro; Director, Stakeholder Engagement, GREO, Lindsay Kalbfleisch; and Chief Strategy Officer, GREO, Elizabeth Lusk.
Speakers sourced from the continent include Managing Partner at WYS Solicitors/Legal Counsel(Africa) and Partner at SteelRose, Olafadeke Akeju; Chief Executive Officer, Gambling Authority Botswana, Peter Kesitilwe; Chief Strategic Adviser, National Gambling Board, South Africa, Caroline Kongwa; Senior Manager, Strategy and Organisational Performance, National Gambling Board, South Africa, Yvonne Gwenhure; Chief Solution Officer, Cybervergent, Gbolabo Awelewa; and MD, KingMakers (BetKing) and Chairman, Vend Capital, Gossy Ukanwoke.
Situated amidst these presentations, panel sessions will convene to meticulously examine matters concerning regulation and taxation, the role of media, responsible gaming, social impact, market trends, customer behaviours, and technology.
One of the noteworthy sessions, titled ‘Significance of Media in the Gaming Industry’, will be hosted by Nseobong Okon-Ekong, Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of GAMING WEEK. During this session, Okon-Ekong will facilitate discussions with distinguished media professionals specialising in new media, public relations, and advertising. The aim is to devise tailored solutions for stakeholders across diverse echelons collaboratively.
Organised by Africa Gaming Expo Limited, AGE Lagos is supported by the Lagos State Lottery and Gaming Authority, Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, and the Lagos State Government. Additionally, it has entered a strategic media partnership with GAMING WEEK.
