Udeh, Nigeria’s Innovation Minister to grace Enugu Gaming Confab

Kingsley Udeh, Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, is leading other high-profile guests to participate as keynote speakers at the Enugu Gaming Conference (EGC) 2026 in what is expected to further strengthen the conference as a platform for technology-driven discussions on the gaming industry.

The two-day conference, themed “Code, Capital and Compliance: Unlocking Nigeria’s iGaming Tech Opportunity,” will hold from July 29 to 30, 2026, at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Enugu.

Organised by Events Arcade Solutions Limited in partnership with the Enugu State Gaming and Lotteries Commission (ESGC), the conference will bring together policymakers, regulators, gaming operators, technology innovators, investors, legal experts, fintech executives and entrepreneurs to examine strategies for building a globally competitive and innovation-led gaming ecosystem.

Udeh is expected to deliver a keynote address highlighting the role of innovation, science and technology in driving economic growth, strengthening indigenous technology development, promoting digital entrepreneurship and positioning Nigeria as a continental hub for emerging technology industries.

His participation underscores the Federal Government’s growing interest in supporting technology-enabled industries capable of creating jobs, attracting investment and accelerating economic diversification.

The conference will feature an array of prominent speakers from Nigeria and across Africa, including Peter Kesitilwe, CEO, African iGaming Alliance, who will moderate the Government-Industry Roundtable; Jeremiah Maangi, founder of iGaming Afrika, Kenya; and Kelani Opeyemi Mercy, co-founder and lead of Isoftnova Technologies Limited. Other participants include regulators, compliance experts, gaming technology developers, startup founders, venture capitalists and legal practitioners.

Speaking ahead of the event, Prince Arinze Arum, executive secretary/CEO, Enugu State Gaming and Lotteries Commission, described the minister’s acceptance of the invitation as a significant endorsement of the conference’s vision.

According to him, the minister’s participation reflects increasing recognition of gaming technology as an integral part of Nigeria’s digital economy and demonstrates the growing convergence of public policy, innovation and private-sector investment.

“EGC 2026 is creating a platform where government, innovators, investors and industry leaders can collaborate to unlock new opportunities for economic growth, technological advancement and responsible regulation,” Arum said.

He noted that the conference is designed to bridge the gap between policy and innovation while showcasing Nigeria’s capacity to develop homegrown technologies capable of competing in global markets.

“The future of gaming is being driven by technology. From software engineering and artificial intelligence to cybersecurity, digital payments, regulatory technology and data analytics, innovation is reshaping the industry. EGC 2026 will convene the institutions and individuals driving this transformation while facilitating conversations that will define the next phase of growth for Nigeria’s gaming sector,” he added.

Activities lined up for the conference include keynote presentations, executive panel discussions, regulatory roundtables, technical masterclasses, exhibitions, strategic networking sessions and the Gaming Tech Startup Showcase, where emerging companies will demonstrate innovative solutions spanning gaming software, digital payments, fraud prevention, responsible gaming, regulatory technology and other digital services.

Organisers expect the conference to attract participants from government institutions, gaming regulatory agencies, licensed operators, technology firms, financial institutions, development organisations, academia, venture capital firms and international industry stakeholders.

The organisers say the event will further position Enugu State as an emerging destination for innovation, investment and policy dialogue within Africa’s fast-growing digital gaming ecosystem.