From Frontier to Prominence: How Africa Gaming Expo Is Rewriting Africa’s Gaming Story

As preparations intensify for AGE Lagos 2026, its Chief Executive Officer, Mr Charles Ekundayo, speaks with rare clarity to Nseobong Okon-Ekong about an industry in transition—one moving decisively “from frontier to prominence”. In this wide-ranging conversation, Ekundayo reflects on AGE’s evolution, the ambitions shaping its third edition, and why Africa is now ready to set its own gaming agenda on the global stage

When Mr Charles Ekundayo, Chief Executive Officer of Africa Gaming Expo (AGE), speaks about Africa’s gaming industry, there is no hint of hesitation or understatement. His language is confident, deliberate, and rooted in a clear sense of history. For Ekundayo, Africa is no longer waiting at the fringes of the global gaming ecosystem—it is stepping decisively into the spotlight. That conviction is at the heart of AGE Lagos 2026, the third edition of the continent’s flagship gaming and fintech expo.

“The overarching theme for the third edition of AGE is ‘Africa’s Gaming Market: Frontier to Prominence’,” Ekundayo explains. “The theme reflects the transition of Africa from an emerging gaming market to a major force in the global gaming ecosystem.”

According to him, the theme is both a reflection and a declaration.

“It speaks to the growth trajectory of Africa’s gaming market over time, its maturity, and of course, it is also a reflection of the progression of Africa Gaming Expo itself,” he says.

Building a pan-African industry community

AGE did not stumble into relevance. From the outset, Ekundayo says, the vision was intentional and unapologetically Pan-African.

“At inception, we were deliberate about creating a yearly Pan-African industry community,” he notes. “A space where global gaming and fintech leaders, operators, regulators, investors, innovators, test labs, and stakeholders would converge.”

The goal, Ekundayo adds, went far beyond networking, saying, “We wanted to bring together global gaming stakeholders on the African continent to dissect the African gaming market, with the view of setting what can be called the African gaming agenda.”

That ambition has steadily materialised.

“Over the years, AGE has evolved into Africa’s premier gaming and fintech expo,” Ekundayo says with measured pride. “With a sense of accomplishment and modesty, AGE is now by far the largest yearly gathering of gaming stakeholders on the continent.”

The metrics back him up.

“The quality of speakers and panellists is second to none,” he states. “The number of exhibitors and delegates at AGE 2025 doubled that of AGE 2024, and for us, that is a clear indication of the acceptance and growth of AGE.”

Even more telling, he adds, is industry confidence, stating, “The increased appetite by notable gaming and fintech brands to participate is a testament to the quality of the expo.”

Cementing leadership in 2026

AGE 2026 is designed not merely to continue this trajectory but to accelerate it.

“For AGE 2026, the aim is to surpass the 2025 edition in terms of the number of attending delegates and exhibitors,” Ekundayo says. “This is about cementing AGE’s position as the number one gaming and fintech expo in Africa.”

Beyond attendance, the industry impact is central. “Industry-wise, we want to assist in drawing investments into the sector and encourage pan-African policy discussions amongst industry leaders and stakeholders,” he explains.

Innovation, however, is where AGE 2026 breaks new ground.

“AGE 2026 will see the launch of AGE AfriPitch,” Ekundayo reveals, describing it as “an opportunity created for startups and innovators to showcase their ideas to potential investors.”

Equally significant is the digital leap forward.

“The AGE mobile app is now live,” he says. “For the first time at AGE 2026, it will enhance networking and engagement through real-time schedules and connections.”

Thoughtful planning, bigger ambitions

The choice of dates and venue was not accidental.

“The dates were carefully chosen with consideration for the Lent and Ramadan periods,” Ekundayo explains. “This is to allow for maximum attendance, avoiding peak holiday clashes while capitalising on Q1 business momentum.”

AGE will once again take place at the Eko Convention Centre.

“It is a facility that supports the scale and quality of experience we aim to deliver at AGE 2026,” he adds.

Structurally, the event is expanding.

“AGE 2026 will run over four days, starting from the 24th of March with the opening cocktail,” Ekundayo says. “This year, the exhibition area will be bigger, with curated spaces for immersive experiences and expanded networking lounges.”

The programme itself reflects the industry’s complexity.

“There will be various panel discussions on fintech, esports, gaming regulatory frameworks, player behaviour, women in gaming, and more,” he notes. “The finalists for the AGE AfriPitch competition will also be selected, and a winner for the 2026 Innovator Award will be announced during the closing dinner and gala.”

Planning, he says, is well advanced.

“Planning for AGE 2026 started as soon as the curtain on AGE 2025 was drawn,” Ekundayo reveals. “Registration is live, the venue is locked, and speakers are confirmed.”

While logistics remain a challenge, “particularly with international participants”, he is confident.

“Our experienced team ensures that each edition builds stronger operational experience, making execution smoother than before,” says Ekundayo.

Marketplace of ideas, policy, and play

AGE 2026 promises a dense intellectual and experiential programme.

“Attendees can expect a dynamic lineup of expert-led sessions across four days,” Ekundayo says. “There will be engaging keynote addresses from top regulators and industry pioneers, and in-depth panel discussions on regulation, taxation, responsible gaming, social impact, market trends, and new technologies.”

Hands-on engagement is also expanding.

“Yes, we will significantly expand hands-on opportunities,” he confirms. “The exhibition hall will feature interactive showcases in esports, mobile gaming, VR/AR, blockchain, and fintech, allowing attendees to demo cutting-edge products and experience live esports tournaments.”

Balancing global trends with African innovation is a conscious strategy.

“We deliberately designed the AGE 2026 lineup to blend global gaming advancements with the unique cultural richness of Africa’s gaming ecosystem,” Ekundayo says. “There will be presentations on scaling African gaming startups to the global market and on transforming Africa into a powerhouse through standardisation.”

Global voices, African leadership

The confirmed speaker lineup reflects AGE’s growing stature.

“We have confirmed a strong and diverse lineup of headline speakers,” Ekundayo says, listing figures such as Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Mark Pace of the International Gaming Standards Association, Michele Magro of the Malta Esports Association, and regulators and executives from across Africa.

“Our objective,” he states, “is to ensure that AGE 2026 serves as a true melting point for global expertise and African leadership to drive meaningful dialogue and long-term industry growth.”

Speaker selection, he adds, is rigorous.

“We prioritise proven leadership, demonstrated expertise, and direct relevance to African market dynamics,” Ekundayo explains. “These are individuals with track records of driving policy, investments, or breakthroughs.”

Beyond an expo

For Ekundayo, AGE is more than an annual gathering.

“AGE anchors Africa’s gaming calendar as the continent’s premier expo,” he says, positioning it alongside global events like ICE Barcelona and SBC Summit.

What sets it apart, he argues, is impact, noting that AGE stands out as the largest gathering fostering direct policy dialogues, deal-making opportunities, and partnerships at a scale unmatched in Africa.

Looking ahead, the vision is expansive.

“My long-term vision is to solidify AGE as Africa’s leading gaming expo and a continental beacon,” Ekundayo adds. “Scaling annually, driving policy evolution, birthing unicorns via AfriPitch, and positioning the continent as a gaming powerhouse through relentless innovation and collaboration.”

What excites him most about 2026 is deeply personal.

“The launch of AfriPitch and, most especially, the AGE App,” he says. “For the first time, attendees won’t just attend AGE—they’ll actively engage. Alongside AfriPitch, we are creating real platforms for empowerment, opportunity, and global relevance.”

In Ekundayo’s telling, AGE Lagos 2026 is not just an event. It is Africa’s gaming industry, confidently stepping from the frontier into prominence.