Tag: Africa

The 2026 edition of the SiGMA Africa Awards brought together key players in gaming, fintech, digital innovation, and online entertainment for a night of recognition in Cape Town, South Africa. Held on March 3 as part of the wider SiGMA Africa Summit, the ceremony honoured companies and individuals shaping Africa’s fast-growing iGaming ecosystem.

From platform providers to payment solutions and content creators, the awards reflect the scale and increasing sophistication of the continent’s digital gaming industry.

The SiGMA Africa Awards are organised under the global SiGMA World event series, which hosts summits across multiple regions focused on iGaming, emerging technology, blockchain, and digital payments.

The Africa edition specifically spotlights the continent’s expanding market, recognising excellence across categories such as: Casino and sportsbook operators, Game and slot providers, Payment and KYC solutions, Marketing innovation, Workplace culture, Influencers and streamers.

Winners are selected through a combination of industry judging panels and, in some categories, public voting. The awards ceremony forms part of a multi-day summit featuring keynote sessions, exhibitions, networking events, and investor meetings.

One of the standout moments of the night was the announcement of Shankcomics as Best Streamer 2026.

The award recognises excellence in live streaming, audience engagement, and overall impact within the gaming and digital entertainment ecosystem. 

Full Winners List – SiGMA Africa Awards 2026

Below is the complete list of winners announced at the ceremony:

Emerging Markets Payment Solution 2026 — Bitlipa

Best Affiliate Program 2026 — Linebet Partners

Best Casino Provider 2026 — Pragmatic Play

Crash Game Newcomer 2026 — Skypilot by Aardvark

Best KYC Solution 2026 — Sumsub

Best Casino Operator 2026 — Melbet

Best Virtual Sports Provider 2026 — Kiron Interactive

Slot Game Newcomer 2026 — Mineslot by Inoutgames

Best Innovation in Sports Betting 2026 — Digitain

Best Game Provider 2026 — EGT Digital

Best On Mobile 2026 — 1xBet

Best Online Sportsbook Provider 2026 — BetConstruct AI

Industry Rising Star 2026 — Veligames by Velitech

Best Slot Game Provider 2026 — Amusnet

Most Played Game 2026 — Avion Supersonic by Lambda Gaming

Best Marketing Campaign 2026 — Partnerships With Global Sports Giants by Spribe

Best Streamer 2026 — Shankcomics

Best Sportsbook Operator 2026 — 22Bet

Live Casino Provider Rising Star 2026 — Choice Gaming

Best Workplace 2026 — Alea

Best Platform 2026 — SoftSwiss

Women in Gaming 2026 — Valentina Bagniya

Best Testing Lab Innovation 2026 — Global Lab

Game Innovation Award 2026 — Arcade Heist Hit&Win by Golden Race

Best Influencer 2026 — Dr Thembi Shilenge

Nigerian music star Tiwa Savage has officially unveiled the Tiwa Savage Music Foundation, a new initiative focused on empowering emerging African creatives through access, mentorship, and world-class music education.

The announcement was made via her official Instagram handle, where she described the move as a full-circle moment after years of building an international career. “After years of building globally… It’s time to build at home,” she wrote.

According to the foundation’s introduction, the initiative is dedicated to supporting emerging and underrepresented creatives across the continent. The goal is to equip young artists with the skills, industry knowledge, confidence, and professional networks needed to thrive in today’s competitive music landscape.

As part of its launch, the foundation is partnering with Berklee College of Music in the United States for a four-day intensive programme. The programme will provide selected participants with hands-on training in songwriting, performance, music production, and the business side of music.

Tiwa Savage teased that further announcements are expected, urging followers to stay tuned for a major update. With anticipation building around the initiative, more details regarding application processes, programme structure, and long-term plans are likely to be revealed soon.

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For six straight years, Burna Boy has found his way onto one of music’s most competitive charts. Now, the Nigerian global star has officially made history.

The Grammy-winning artist has become the first African musician to have at least one song appear on the Billboard Hot 100 for six consecutive years; spanning from 2021 to 2026. The milestone reinforces not just his dominance, but the sustained global expansion of Afrobeats.

According to chart data published by Billboard, Burna Boy’s streak began in 2021 and has continued every year since, without interruption.

The run started in 2021 with Loved By You. In 2022, Last Last became his biggest solo crossover hit to date, earning massive global streaming numbers and radio rotation in multiple territories.

In 2023, he returned with Sittin’ On Top Of The World and the remix of Talibans II, further strengthening his presence on the chart.

The momentum carried into 2024 with Just Like Me and We Pray, proving that his chart appearances were not accidental spikes but part of a sustained international run.

By 2025, WGFT kept the streak alive, and now in 2026, his new entry Only You officially extends the record to a sixth consecutive year.

While African artists have appeared on the Hot 100 before, maintaining entries across six straight calendar years is a different level of consistency. It signals not just viral success, but long-term global positioning.

Burna Boy’s achievement also reflects a wider shift in the music industry. Afrobeats is no longer treated as a regional sound breaking through occasionally. It is now a recurring presence in mainstream global charts, festivals, and award conversations. However, this particular milestone belongs solely to him.

What makes the feat even more impressive is that the entries span different eras of his sound, from emotionally reflective records to club-ready anthems and international collaborations. The consistency suggests a strategic evolution rather than repetition.

For Nigerian music and African pop culture at large, the moment feels symbolic. A decade ago, charting on the Hot 100 was rare. Today, one artist has turned it into an annual expectation.

With Only You now on the chart in 2026, the question shifts from whether Burna Boy can sustain global visibility to how long this historic streak can continue.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially confirmed that Morocco will host the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), putting to rest recent speculation about a possible relocation or postponement of the tournament.

CAF President Patrice Motsepe emphasized that Morocco remains fully committed and prepared to stage the tournament, which is scheduled to take place from 17 March to 3 April 2026. The decision ensures that the tournament, which also serves as a qualifying event for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, will proceed as planned.

This announcement comes after discussions in some quarters about the potential for a change of host nation. CAF clarified that Morocco had met all organizational requirements and that there were no obstacles to continuing as hosts.

The 2026 edition of WAFCON will see teams from across Africa compete for continental glory, building on Morocco’s successful hosting of the 2022 WAFCON. CAF’s reaffirmation signals confidence in Morocco’s ability to deliver a world-class tournament, complete with top-notch stadiums, facilities, and fan engagement.

In the first days of February 2026, reports circulated in African media and social channels suggesting that Morocco had withdrawn from hosting WAFCON 2026, and that South Africa might take over. These claims were amplified after South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Peace Mabe, publicly stated that South Africa would host the tournament, implying Morocco could no longer stage it. 

This assertion quickly made headlines and sparked debate across sports outlets and social media but it had no formal backing from CAF at the time. Instead, it emerged from contradictory statements within South African government ranks, where the deputy minister’s comments were later refuted by the South African Sports Minister’s office, which clarified that they were speaking about willingness to assist, not a confirmed hosting change. 

For African women’s football, this is a crucial milestone. With increased investment and visibility, WAFCON continues to grow as a platform that showcases the continent’s talent and inspires the next generation of female footballers. Morocco’s hosting is expected to bring in fans from across Africa and beyond, further cementing the tournament’s prestige and influence in global women’s football.

CAF’s statement underscores that the countdown to WAFCON 2026 is on, and Morocco is ready to welcome the continent’s best teams to a festival of football, passion, and empowerment.

Davido has officially announced additional dates for his ongoing 5ive Alive World Tour, extending the global run into 2026 with new stops across Africa, Europe, and North America. The expansion follows the success of the tour’s earlier legs and continues the Afrobeats star’s worldwide push in support of his 5IVE album era.

The newly added dates reflect Davido’s growing international demand, with concerts scheduled in major European cities including Vienna, Zurich, Rotterdam, Brussels, Stockholm, Copenhagen, and Barcelona. The tour will also return to Africa with stops in Tanzania and Zambia, while a pair of high-profile festival appearances at Coachella 2026 mark one of the tour’s biggest global highlights.

The announcement positions 5ive Alive as one of Davido’s most ambitious touring cycles yet, combining solo arena performances with festival stages and international fan meetups. Over the past few years, Davido has consistently strengthened his touring presence across Europe and North America, and this latest extension further cements his reputation as one of Afrobeats’ most active global performers.

While some venue details remain limited, the confirmed schedule already signals a packed run of back-to-back shows, highlighting both emerging markets and long-standing fanbases. European audiences will see the singer return to key cities where Afrobeats continues to thrive, while African stops reflect Davido’s ongoing commitment to performing across the continent.

One of the most talked about additions is his appearance at Coachella 2026, where he is scheduled to perform across both festival weekends in April. The festival slot places him among a select group of African artists to reach one of the world’s most visible music stages, reinforcing Afrobeats’ continued crossover into global pop culture.

The expanded 2026 dates for the 5ive Alive World Tour currently include:

• Tanzania — February 7
• Vienna — March 25
• Zurich — March 27
• Rotterdam — March 28
• Brussels — March 31
• Stockholm — April 2
• Copenhagen — April 3
• Barcelona — April 5
• Coachella — April 11 & 18
• Zambia — May 2

With more dates and venue confirmations expected in the coming months, the 5ive Alive World Tour continues to grow into one of the most extensive Afrobeats touring runs in recent years. For Davido, the expansion represents both a celebration of his current album cycle and a broader statement about the genre’s ongoing global momentum.

Currency strength is often misunderstood in Africa. A strong currency doesn’t necessarily mean a country is richer or more developed; it simply reflects how much value one unit of a currency holds against the U.S. dollar.

Using that measure, here’s a breakdown of Africa’s 10 strongest currencies as of January 2026, why they rank so highly, and why Nigeria’s naira is notably absent from the list.

1. Tunisian Dinar (TND) — Tunisia

The Tunisian dinar remains Africa’s strongest currency by exchange value, trading at under 3 dinars to the dollar. Its strength is largely driven by strict currency controls, which tightly regulate access to foreign exchange and limit speculation. While Tunisia faces economic challenges, the central bank’s tight grip on the dinar has helped preserve its nominal value, even when broader economic indicators suggest fragility.

2. Libyan Dinar (LYD) — Libya

Despite years of political instability, the Libyan dinar continues to rank among Africa’s strongest currencies. Libya’s oil-driven foreign exchange inflows play a major role here, providing the central bank with dollar liquidity to support the currency. Like Tunisia, Libya operates a managed FX system, meaning the dinar’s strength is less about market confidence and more about controlled supply.

3. Moroccan Dirham (MAD) — Morocco

Morocco’s dirham reflects a more balanced story. Backed by a diversified economy; spanning manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, and exports to Europe, the dirham benefits from relative macroeconomic stability. Morocco has gradually liberalized its exchange regime without allowing sharp volatility, helping the dirham maintain steady strength against the dollar.

4. Ghanaian Cedi (GHS) — Ghana

Ghana’s presence in the top four is notable given its recent debt restructuring and IMF-backed reforms. The cedi’s ranking reflects currency redenomination history and monetary restructuring, rather than pure economic dominance. While the cedi has experienced sharp swings in recent years, policy tightening and external support have helped stabilize its nominal value enough to keep it among Africa’s strongest by unit value.

5. Botswana Pula (BWP) — Botswana

Botswana’s pula is one of Africa’s most respected currencies, supported by strong institutions, prudent fiscal management, and diamond exports. The country’s conservative monetary policy and low public debt have made the pula relatively stable over time. Unlike many peers, Botswana has avoided extreme FX volatility, reinforcing confidence in its currency.

6. Seychellois Rupee (SCR) — Seychelles

Seychelles’ rupee ranks high largely due to the country’s tourism-driven foreign exchange earnings. With tourism accounting for a significant share of GDP, steady inflows of dollars and euros help support the rupee. While the economy is small, its openness and reliance on foreign visitors give the currency a consistent FX lifeline.

7. Eritrean Nakfa (ERN) — Eritrea

The Eritrean nakfa’s strength is almost entirely policy-driven. Eritrea operates one of Africa’s most tightly controlled economies, with fixed exchange mechanisms and limited currency convertibility. As a result, the nakfa’s nominal value remains high; though this does not necessarily reflect market demand or economic openness.

8. South African Rand (ZAR) — South Africa

Africa’s most traded currency, the rand earns its place through deep financial markets and global liquidity, not tight controls. While the rand is volatile and sensitive to global risk sentiment, South Africa’s advanced banking system, capital markets, and export base help prevent extreme devaluation compared to many peers.

9. Lesotho Loti (LSL) — Lesotho

The Lesotho loti is pegged one to one with the South African rand, meaning it mirrors the rand’s movements almost exactly. Its ranking here is therefore less about Lesotho’s domestic economy and more about its monetary union with South Africa, which provides currency stability and predictability.

10. Namibian Dollar (NAD) — Namibia

Like Lesotho, Namibia’s dollar is also pegged to the South African rand, ensuring parity in value. This peg helps Namibia maintain currency stability, benefit from South Africa’s financial infrastructure, and avoid the FX shocks seen in more isolated economies.

Where Is Nigeria’s Naira?

Nigeria’s naira does not feature anywhere near Africa’s strongest currencies list.

As of late 2025 and early 2026, the naira traded around ₦1,400–₦1,500 to the U.S. dollar, placing it among the weaker currencies on the continent by exchange value.

Nigeria’s currency struggles reflect structural FX challenges, not economic irrelevance. Persistent dollar shortages, high inflation, heavy import dependence, and long-standing FX market distortions have weighed heavily on the naira. While recent reforms have improved transparency and reduced volatility, they haven’t yet translated into a stronger nominal exchange rate.

Some of Africa’s strongest currencies exist in tightly controlled or small economies. Meanwhile, larger economies like Nigeria and Egypt operate weaker currencies shaped by market forces, trade deficits, and reform cycles.

In a historic moment for the global digital community, IShowSpeed (Darren Jason Watkins Jr.) has officially surpassed 50 million subscribers on YouTube and he did it live on his 21st birthday while streaming from Nigeria. The milestone marks a defining moment not only for Speed’s career but also for Black creators on the platform.

Fans from around the world watched as the YouTube subscriber counter ticked past 50 million during his Africa tour livestream. Nigeria, one of the stops on his “Speed Does Africa” tour, became the backdrop for what many are calling a landmark achievement for Black creators in YouTube history. Social media exploded as viewers celebrated both his birthday and the historic milestone.

Social media reports confirms that IShowSpeed’s main channel now officially stands at 50,000,000 subscribers, cementing him as a true digital powerhouse.

One of the standout moments from Speed’s time in Nigeria was his verdict on Nigerian jollof rice live on stream, he declared Nigerian jollof the best he’d had so far in comparison with Senegalese jollof, a declaration that delighted viewers and reignited the long‑standing West African jollof debate. 

Social posts from fans also echoed that sentiment, noting how the streamer reacted to the spiciness and flavour of local dishes during his livestream in Lagos. 

Real‑time posts on community forums show Nigerians celebrating his presence, reacting positively to his content, and noting that he’s actively absorbing cultural experiences rather than just passing through. Many locals highlighted how he engages with audiences and talks about Nigerian culture to his millions of viewers live on stream. 

The ongoing stream content indicates that Speed has been interacting with his surroundings, food, and local energy in Lagos; typical of how he’s been doing in other countries on the tour. 

This milestone is more than just numbers; it’s a statement about the power of youth, global audiences, and cultural representation in the digital space. 

Nigerian filmmaker Funke Akindele has officially become Africa’s highest-grossing filmmaker of all time, following the record-breaking box office performance of her latest film, Behind The Scenes.

According to figures released by distributors, the film has now crossed the ₦2+ billion mark in cinema revenue, making it the highest-grossing film in Nigerian and West African cinema history. The milestone places Akindele at the top of Africa’s box office rankings, ahead of all other filmmakers on the continent.

Behind The Scenes, released in December 2025, opened to strong audience turnout across Nigerian cinemas and select international markets. Within weeks of release, the film recorded multiple box office milestones, including:

• One of the largest opening weekends in Nollywood history
• Fastest Nollywood film to cross several revenue benchmarks
• First Nigerian film to officially exceed ₦2 billion in total box office earnings

The figures were confirmed by FilmOne Entertainment and other industry tracking platforms monitoring cinema revenue in Nigeria.

This achievement builds on Akindele’s growing reputation as Nollywood’s most commercially successful filmmaker. In recent years, her projects have consistently dominated the box office, including:

• A Tribe Called Judah, which became one of Nollywood’s earliest billion-naira films
• Everybody Loves Jenifa, which previously held the record as Nigeria’s highest-grossing local film

With Behind The Scenes surpassing all previous records, Akindele now holds the top three highest-earning Nollywood films in cinema history.

Akindele’s achievement is also being viewed as a major milestone for African cinema, demonstrating that locally produced African films can achieve large-scale commercial success without relying on foreign studios.

By becoming Africa’s highest-grossing filmmaker, Funke Akindele has further established her status as one of the most influential figures in the Nigerian film industry. 

The 9th All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) took place on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at Eko Hotels & Suites, Lagos, drawing artists and industry leaders from across the continent for one of African music’s most important nights.

Held under the theme “Unstoppable Africa,” the ceremony celebrated commercial success, cultural impact, regional diversity, and artistic excellence. The event was hosted by Falz and Liliane Maroune and broadcast live on DStv, GOtv, and digital platforms, concluding a week-long AFRIMA programme in Lagos.

Below is the full breakdown of major categories, including WINNERS and OFFICIAL NOMINEES as released by AFRIMA ahead of the awards.

ARTISTE OF THE YEAR

Winner

• Rema (Nigeria)

Nominees

• Burna Boy (Nigeria)
• Davido (Nigeria)
• Wizkid (Nigeria)
• Black Sherif (Ghana)

ALBUM OF THE YEAR

Winner

• Burna Boy – No Sign of Weakness

Nominees

• Rema – HEIS
• Davido – Timeless
• Black Sherif – The Villain I Never Was
• Ayra Starr – The Year I Turned 21

SONG OF THE YEAR

Winner

• Shallipopi – “Laho”

Nominees

• Tyla – “Water”
• Asake – “Lonely at the Top”
• Rema – “Trouble Maker”
• Black Sherif – “Oil in My Head”

BEST MALE ARTISTE – WESTERN AFRICA

Winner

• Rema (Nigeria)

Nominees

• Burna Boy (Nigeria)
• Davido (Nigeria)
• Wizkid (Nigeria)
• Black Sherif (Ghana)

BEST FEMALE ARTISTE – WESTERN AFRICA

Winner

• Wendy Shay (Ghana)

Nominees

• Ayra Starr (Nigeria)
• Yemi Alade (Nigeria)
• Simi (Nigeria)
• Gyakie (Ghana)

BEST MALE ARTISTE – EASTERN AFRICA

Winner

• Jux (Tanzania)

Nominees

• Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)
• Harmonize (Tanzania)
• Alikiba (Tanzania)
• Bien (Kenya)

BEST FEMALE ARTISTE – EASTERN AFRICA

Winner

• Denise (Madagascar)

Nominees

• Zuchu (Tanzania)
• Nandy (Tanzania)
• Azawi (Uganda)
• Nikita Kering (Kenya)

BEST MALE ARTISTE – CENTRAL AFRICA

Winner

• Singuila (Congo)

Nominees

• Fally Ipupa (DR Congo)
• Innoss’B (DR Congo)
• Gaz Mawete (DR Congo)
• Dadju (DR Congo)

BEST FEMALE ARTISTE – CENTRAL AFRICA

Winner

• Cindy Le Coeur (DR Congo)

Nominees

• Rosny Kayiba (DR Congo)
• Shan’L (Gabon)
• Queen Etémé (Cameroon)
• Mel B Akwen (Cameroon)

MOST PROMISING ARTISTE OF THE YEAR

Winner

• Qing Madi (Nigeria)

Nominees

• Victony (Nigeria)
• Seyi Vibez (Nigeria)
• Tyla (South Africa)
• Llona (Nigeria)

AFRICAN FANS’ FAVOURITE ARTISTE

Winner

• Chella (Nigeria)

Nominees

• Rema
• Burna Boy
• Davido
• Wizkid

BEST AFRICAN VIDEO OF THE YEAR

Winner

• Black Sherif – “Rebel”

Nominees

• Rema – “Trouble Maker”
• Burna Boy – “City Boys”
• Ayra Starr – “Commas”
• Asake – “Yoga”

BEST AFRICAN DANCE / CHOREOGRAPHY

Winner

• Weeha – “Dimama” (Ethiopia)

Nominees

• Tyla – “Water”
• Diamond Platnumz – “Achii”
• Kizz Daniel – “Twe Twe”
• CKay – “Love Nwantiti”

SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR

Winner

• Bakhaw Dioum (Senegal) – “Choix”

Nominees

• Asa (Nigeria)
• Johnny Drille (Nigeria)
• A-Reece (South Africa)
• Sauti Sol (Kenya)

BEST SOUNDTRACK (FILM / SERIES / DOCUMENTARY)

Winner

• Yemi Alade – “You Are” (Iyanu)

Nominees

• Adekunle Gold – Aníkúlápó
• CKay – Shanty Town
• Amaarae – The Origin
• Teni – Breaded Life

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

Recipients

• Kenny Ogungbe
• Dayo “D1” Adeneye

Honoured for decades of contribution to African music development, media, and artist growth.

The African tech landscape is preparing for a landmark moment as the Africa Blockchain Festival (ABF) 2025 comes to Kigali, Rwanda, from November 7 to 9, 2025. Billed as the continent’s first major festival merging artificial intelligence (AI innovation in Africa) and blockchain startups and innovation, the event is designed to shift Africa’s role in global technology from consumer to innovator.

Africa’s Tech Future

Hosted at the Kigali Convention Centre, the festival carries the theme: “Africa’s AI innovation in Africa & Blockchain Renaissance: From Tech Consumers to Global Innovators.” With Rwanda championing digital transformation, the government’s endorsement of ABF underscores its vision of positioning the country as a leading African hub for innovation and fintech development.

High-Profile Speakers and Global Voices

The festival will feature a diverse lineup of policymakers, innovators, and entrepreneurs across Africa and beyond. Confirmed speakers include:

• Paula Ingabire – Rwanda’s Minister of ICT
• Dr. Emomotimi Agama – Director General, Nigeria’s SEC
• Alex Ntale – CEO of Rwanda ICT Chamber
• Michelle Chivunga – Founder of Global Policy House
• Fisayo Fosudo – Nigerian tech creator
• Delppy – Ghanaian digital voice
• Shameera Akbar & Ayesha Bayat – Co-founders of DigiYouth Africa, South Africa

Africa Blockchain Festival 2025

• Conference & Exhibition: Over 5,000 developers, investors, policymakers, and innovators will gather for panels, demos, and product showcases.
• Startup Pitch Competitions: Emerging African blockchain startups and innovation and AI innovation in Africa startups will compete for visibility and funding.
• Hackathons & Workshops: Developers and students will engage in hands-on sessions exploring practical applications of AI innovation in Africa and blockchain startups and innovation.
• Creative Industry Track: Dedicated panels on how blockchain startups and innovation can revolutionize music, film, art, and intellectual property.
• Networking & Cultural Events: Deal rooms, VIP lounges, innovation tours, and a closing gala to connect innovators across borders.

RwandAir is partnering with the festival to offer flight discounts of 20% on business class and 15% on economy for attendees across Africa.

The Africa Blockchain Festival 2025 (Kigali blockchain startups and innovation event) represents more than a gathering, it is a defining moment for Africa’s digital economy. By merging blockchain startups and innovation and AI innovation in Africa discussions under one roof, it sets the stage for policies, partnerships, and innovations that could shape the continent’s future in fintech, governance, and creative industries.