Scammers leveraged the heightened demand to deploy deceptive schemes, from fake pre-order pages to fraudulent video tutorials, targeting users eager to secure their copy of the game.

Kaspersky experts are showing the key schemes used by attackers and offering guidance on how to recognise and avoid falling victim to fraud.

 Fake storefronts but real losses: The pre-order trap

Fraudsters have been setting up fake websites that closely replicate the visual style and branding of the official game. These pages feature genuine trailers and promotional artwork, offering users the option to pre-order the game for various consoles.

After clicking “Pre-order now,” users are prompted to enter their personal details and payment information to complete the purchase.

However, no game is ever delivered, instead, victims risk having their bank accounts drained and their personal data compromised.

Kaspersky experts have detected such fraudulent pages in multiple languages, indicating that scammers are actively targeting players across different regions.

One notable example is a website impersonating the official PlayStation storefront. To create a convincing illusion of legitimacy, the attackers populated it with fabricated five-star reviews, an age rating and a displayed pre-order price.

Upon clicking the pre-order button, users are redirected to a registration form requesting their name, email address, phone number, individual taxpayer identification number and other personal information.

From there, the victim is asked to pay by entering bank card details or choosing an alternative payment method. Once the transaction is completed, both the user’s personal data and financial credentials are left entirely in the hands of the attackers.

Not just pre-orders: Fake beta access as the next bait 

Malicious activity often relies on a coordinated, multi-channel approach to broaden reach and reinforce credibility. In one such case, a suspicious website was identified offering what was described as a beta version of the game for download, with the offer framed as a leak. The website was promoted through video platforms and social media, where numerous accounts shared videos purportedly showing how to download the game file “safely”.

To further reinforce credibility, comments posted alongside this content claimed that the download contained a genuine version of the game.

Once launched, the file can compromise the user’s device, potentially leading to the theft of sensitive data, unauthorised access to personal accounts, or the installation of malware operating silently in the background.

From virtual worlds to virtual wallets 

Cryptocurrency users are also being targeted through suspicious, low-reputation websites. In one case, a site was identified promoting a token with a name resembling the game’s title.

The page imitated the game’s visual style and used its logo to create a strong visual association with the game. Such websites should be treated with extreme caution, as engaging with them may result in the loss of crypto assets.

“Highly anticipated game releases have long presented significant opportunities for cybercriminals, and we are already detecting related fraudulent activity. These schemes are carefully timed to capitalise on heightened consumer excitement: attackers understand that periods of intense anticipation can lower users’ guard and create a false sense of urgency. We strongly recommend that users complete purchases exclusively through official platforms, refrain from following links shared by unverified sources. Equally important is robust protection – and our solutions now include AI-powered scam protection,” says Olga Altukhova, senior web content analyst at Kaspersky. 

To enjoy new game releases without worrying about cyberthreats, Kaspersky advises users to be cautious with downloads. It’s safer to install games and mods only from official sources or reputable websites. Unofficial sources may contain malware.

The post How Fraudsters Attempted to Hijack GTA VI Preorders appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

There’s a persistent assumption that township homes are analogue spaces. Small screens, tight budgets and fractured connectivity. That assumption doesn’t survive reality. Homes are filled with technology and if they gain access to high-speed fire, the possibilities are transformative. The World Bank has found that improved access and speeds correlate with a move towards more productive content, online learning and services.

South Africa’s gaming market, according to PwC, is gaining momentum, contributing $296 million to the more than $600 million in gaming revenue generated by South Africa, Nigeria and Kenya in 2024. It is perhaps the largest and most mature on the continent with the esports segment playing a significant role, growing to around $29 million in 2025.

South Africa is also a regional hub for gaming content creation and esports events thanks to infrastructure, connectivity and larger gaming communities than many of its peers.

There are also now around 26.5 million gamers in the country with the local industry growing at more than 50% year-on-year, driven overwhelmingly by mobile.

These numbers have historically only described one part of the market. The infrastructure that makes competitive gaming possible, low latency, high-speeds, and always-on connectivity, has been concentrated in affluent suburbs and established business districts.

Fibre penetration in township and peri-urban communities has lagged behind, and this gap has meant that a generation of potential players, creators and digital earners has been competing with one proverbial hand tied behind their back, relying on mobile data that throttles under load and drops during electricity outages.

It is also significantly more expensive as many young people can only play in informal gaming hubs, internet cafes or kasi lounges which cost per session.

Gaming is so much more than just some fun with friends and for youngsters who have a real talent, it is the doorway to a promising career. Companies like Crowd Control have evolved to provide youth from township communities with access to gaming tournaments so they can discover what it means to play competitively and how this can impact their futures.

Now, imagine what could happen if these kids had fibre offering unthrottled speeds of 100Mbps and beyond and improving connectivity significantly. Youth who could not have even considered a career in gaming can now start playing at an international level. This connectivity meets a very real need for youngsters to monetise their creativity.

In 2025, esports was recognised as an official university sport under University Sport South Africa, placing it alongside rugby, netball, football and athletics.

In the same year, Comic Con Africa hosted tournaments with prize pools exceeding R600,000. The Mamelodi Sundowns Esports Championship offered a R200,000 prize pool for EA FC players and esports scholarships are now available as more professional teams are being formed.

There are incredible changes happening at the community level with initiatives like Kasi Flare, a township-focused EA FC esports tournament series, running qualifiers through hubs in townships across South Africa.

In 2025, a first time Easter Cape hub, Malume Playground, produced the overall champion who beat established players from around the country to secure his share of a R50k prize pool. Kasi Flare exists precisely because the talent has always been here, what was missing was the infrastructure.

Fibre is that infrastructure. It places a young gamer from a township community on the same starting line as players in Cape Town’s Atlantic Seaboard or Sandton.

Unblocking this potential is essential and it starts with treating the communities as active partners in rollout and change, not as passive recipients of technology.

When communities understand what is being built, and why, they will engage and they will ensure that the infrastructure remains valued.

Pricing is also critical, asking for flexible pricing models and low entry-point packages to ensure fibre remains accessible to households that can’t commit to premium contracts. When the pricing is right, the demand is there.

And the potential to tap into a vibrant community and give people the opportunity to start unique careers and become the next generation of South Africa’s digital economy.

The post Inside four walls: Fibre and Economic Creativity in the Townships appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

These days, however, things are beginning to change. Cricket is attracting larger audiences, more commercial partners, and more betting operators than ever before. Leading Nigeria’s cricket resurgence is Sylvester Okpe.

Okpe serves as captain of the Nigerian national team, otherwise known as the Yellow Greens.

As one of Nigeria’s most popular cricket players, he has earned a reputation for consistency and a penchant for rising to the occasion among Nigerian cricket fans and sports bettors.

For years, Nigeria’s cricket matches were followed primarily by hardcore cricket fans. In recent years, however, Nigeria has caught the attention of sports bettors itching for a fresh alternative to football. A lot of that interest centers around Sylvester Okpe and the Nigerian cricket team.

The Rise of Nigeria’s Yellow Greens onto the International Stage

The Yellow Greens have experienced success throughout West Africa and international ICC qualification events, thanks in large part to Okpe’s dominance.

Beloved for his clutch performances, Sylvester Okpe has won over the hearts of Nigerian cricket fans with big- time performances headlined by 3 wickets for 14 runs against Sierra Leone in the 2021 T20 International tournament. Such successes have enabled them to gain greater international recognition, both within Nigeria and beyond.

Cricket Goes Mainstream at the Top Nigerian Bookies

Okpe stands out among cricket legends like Prosper Useni because he is part of a new generation of Nigerian cricket players who benefited from youth cricket development programs. Going from being captain of the Nigeria Under-19 national team to skippering the senior side has become a dream template for Nigerian cricket aspirants.

The rise of Nigerian cricket beautifully coincides with that of mobile betting apps, which have become nearly inseparable from Nigerian youth. Okpe is a favorite amongst punters betting on Nigerian cricket matches because he impacts the game in many areas. He bats, bowls, fields, and captains his team.

Most punters like all-rounders because they can affect many of the cricket stats that lines include with real-time updates. Okpe’s inclusion in most Nigerian squads has made him one of Nigeria’s most- followed cricket players.

Nowadays, most platforms offer cricket betting markets that include everything from local Nigerian tournaments to international cricket matchups. These cricket markets are made possible by a year-round international cricket schedule that includes domestic competitions, T20 leagues, and more.

As more Nigerians become familiar with the standout players in their national cricket team, they’ll be more likely to place bets when those players take the field.

Okpe’s dominant play continues to shine a light on other exceptional stars that take center stage on social media and the top Nigerian bookies:

1. Isaac Danladi: Isaac Danladi is considered one of Nigeria’s top all-rounders. He was even named Nigeria’s Male Cricket Player of the Year a few years
2. Prosper Useni: Useni has established himself as a solid all-rounder for Nigeria. In fact, many of his performances for the Yellow Greens have been match-winning
3. Peter Aho: Aho is one of Nigeria’s most successful bowlers and has been around the national scene for quite some time, and remains one of Africa’s most respected cricketers

For Nigeria as a cricketing nation, more individuals watching the Yellow Greens play translates to more sponsorships, better media coverage, and improved funding for grassroots cricket.

The better the quality of players, the better the competition. The better the competition, the bigger the audience.

The bigger the audience, the greater the monetary value of cricket in Nigeria, with new generations of Nigerians inspired to become the next Sylvester Okpe.

The post From Yellow Greens to Green Bucks: How Sylvester Okpe is Powering Nigeria’s Cricket Betting Boom appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

This reality forms the foundation of the Enugu Gaming Conference (EGC) 2026, which promises to be the most impactful edition since the event was launched.

Unlike previous editions that focused heavily on regulation and industry operations, EGC 2026 is deliberately placing Gaming Technology and Innovation at the center of discussions. The objective is clear: to position gaming as an important contributor to Nigeria’s digital economy and to showcase how technology will shape the industry’s future.

Today’s gaming operators are no longer just bookmakers or lottery providers. They are technology businesses that depend on sophisticated software, secure payment infrastructure, customer data management systems, fraud detection tools, and responsible gaming technologies.

As the industry becomes increasingly digital, stakeholders must embrace innovation to remain competitive.

This is why the anticipated participation of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy and its key agencies represents a significant milestone for Enugu Gaming Conference 2026.

Their presence signals a new era where gaming is no longer viewed in isolation but as part of Nigeria’s broader digital transformation agenda.

Agencies such as the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), and other digital economy institutions are expected to bring valuable perspectives on innovation, cybersecurity, digital trust, data governance, artificial intelligence, and local technology development.

These conversations are critical because they address some of the biggest challenges and opportunities facing gaming operators today.

The involvement of these institutions could also help change public perception of the gaming industry. For years, discussions around gaming have largely focused on regulation, taxation, and social concerns. EGC 2026 aims to broaden that narrative by highlighting the industry’s growing role in technology development, digital entrepreneurship, job creation, and innovation.

Perhaps more importantly, the conference will create opportunities for collaboration between gaming operators, technology startups, software developers, fintech companies, regulators, and investors. Such collaboration is essential if Nigeria hopes to develop indigenous gaming technologies that can compete not only locally but across Africa and beyond.

Another major focus will be the growing importance of data protection and cybersecurity. As gaming platforms handle increasing volumes of customer data and digital transactions, trust and compliance have become business imperatives.

Discussions around data governance and digital security are expected to provide operators with practical insights into building sustainable and trusted gaming businesses.

Enugu Gaming Conference 2026 is therefore much more than a conference. It is a platform for redefining the future of gaming in Nigeria.

By bringing together leaders from the gaming and technology sectors, the event will help drive conversations that can attract investment, encourage innovation, strengthen regulation, and accelerate industry growth.

As Nigeria’s gaming industry enters a new phase of development, EGC 2026 stands poised to become the meeting point where technology, innovation, and regulation converge to shape the next chapter of the industry’s evolution.

* Ejiofor Agada is the Event Management Consultant for Enugu Gaming Conference (EGC) 2026.

The post Why Enugu Gaming Conference 2026 Will Be a Game-Changer for Nigeria’s Industry appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

From fintech-powered gaming platforms to regulatory innovation and digital payment systems, the sector is becoming one of the continent’s most dynamic technology-driven industries.

This is exactly why the Enugu Gaming Conference 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most important industry gatherings in Africa this year.

Scheduled for July 29–30, 2026 at the International Conference Centre, Enugu, the conference will bring together regulators, gaming operators, fintech companies, investors, technology providers, policymakers, startups, and digital innovators under one roof.

Here are seven reasons to register and attend #EGC2026:

1. A Front-Row Seat to Africa’s Gaming Future

The African gaming ecosystem is no longer just about betting platforms. It now intersects with:

• Fintech
• Artificial Intelligence
• Digital identity
• Payment infrastructure
• Cybersecurity
• Compliance technology
• Mobile innovation
• Data analytics

EGC 2026 is designed to explore these intersections and how they are shaping the future of gaming across Africa.

The conference theme: “Code, Capital and Compliance: Unlocking Nigeria’s iGaming Tech Opportunity”, reflects the growing focus on technology innovation, investment, and responsible regulation.

For anyone serious about understanding where Africa’s digital entertainment economy is headed, this conference offers critical insights.

2. Access to Regulators and Policymakers

One of the biggest advantages of attending EGC 2026 is direct access to gaming regulators and policymakers.

Nigeria’s gaming industry is undergoing major structural changes driven by decentralised regulation, compliance reforms, and digital oversight systems. Conferences like EGC create rare opportunities for operators, startups, and investors to engage directly with decision-makers.

Industry conversations at the event are expected to cover:

• Regulatory frameworks
• Licensing models
• AML and KYC compliance
• Consumer protection
• Responsible gaming
• Taxation
• Digital payments
• Cross-border operations

This makes the conference especially valuable for businesses looking to expand into Nigeria or strengthen compliance operations across Africa.

3. Networking That Can Drive Real Business Opportunities

The gaming industry thrives on partnerships.

At EGC 2026, attendees will have opportunities to connect with:

• Gaming operators
• Fintech founders
• Payment solution providers
• Technology vendors
• Legal experts
• Investors
• Regulators
• Media executives
• Startup founders

Whether you are looking for investors, distribution partnerships, technology collaborations, or market intelligence, the conference creates an environment where deals and strategic relationships can happen.

Previous editions and related gaming events in Nigeria have attracted thousands of stakeholders from across Africa and international markets.

4. Discover Emerging Opportunities in South-East Nigeria

Enugu is increasingly positioning itself as a rising technology and innovation hub.

The state government has shown growing interest in digital economy initiatives, technology development, innovation ecosystems, and gaming regulation.

EGC 2026 offers businesses a chance to understand the South-East gaming market, regional consumer behavior, investment opportunities, local partnerships, and emerging tech ecosystems.

For operators and investors seeking untapped growth markets, this regional advantage matters.

5. Learn About Fintech, Payments, and Gaming Technology

Digital payments are now central to gaming growth in Africa.

Recent industry reports show that EGC 2026 will place strong emphasis on:

• Payment technology
• AML systems
• KYC verification
• Fraud prevention
• Fintech integration
• Secure digital transactions

As mobile payments continue to dominate Africa’s digital economy, understanding the relationship between fintech and gaming will be essential for future growth.

This makes the event highly relevant not only for gaming companies but also for:

• Banks
• Payment processors
• Digital wallets
• Fintech startups
• Cybersecurity firms
• RegTech providers

6. Gain Visibility for Your Brand

For exhibitors, startups, and technology companies, EGC 2026 provides a platform to showcase products and services to a highly targeted audience.

Businesses can use the event to:

• Launch products
• Demonstrate technology solutions
• Meet enterprise clients
• Build partnerships
• Increase brand visibility
• Engage regulators and investors

In an increasingly competitive gaming ecosystem, visibility matters.

7. Be Part of the Conversations Shaping the Industry

Africa’s gaming market is entering a new phase defined by:

• Technology localisation
• Indigenous platform development
• Responsible gaming
• Digital regulation
• Investment growth
• AI-powered systems
• Compliance innovation

The conversations happening at EGC 2026 are likely to influence future policy directions and market trends across Nigeria and Africa.

Attending gives stakeholders an opportunity not just to observe change, but to participate in shaping it.

The Enugu Gaming Conference 2026 is more than a gaming event. It is a convergence of technology, fintech, regulation, innovation, and investment.

Whether you are:

• A gaming operator
• A fintech founder
• A regulator
• An investor
• A startup
• A payment provider
• A legal expert
• A technology company
• A digital entrepreneur

EGC 2026 offers opportunities to learn, connect, collaborate, and grow within one of Africa’s fastest-evolving industries.

With Nigeria’s gaming and digital economy continuing to expand, the conversations in Enugu this July could help define the industry’s next chapter.

The post Seven Reasons to Register and Attend Enugu Gaming Conference 2026 appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

From ASU’s perspective, this initiative reflects a broader shift in global education. According to Oliver, ASU is the largest public university in the United States, with approximately 180,000 students, half on campus and half online. The institution’s long-standing vision, driven by its leadership, is centred on accessibility and adaptability.

“Not everyone can learn through traditional methods. We need the flexibility to go to where learning takes place,” Oliver explained.

This philosophy has shaped ASU’s approach to education, focusing on multiple learning pathways that allow students to achieve outcomes tailored to their individual goals.

Understanding the ‘Five Realms’ of Education

“ASU’s evolving education model is structured around five distinct ‘realms’: Traditional classroom learning, online and digital learning environments, immersive exploration through technologies like virtual reality, and finally, infinitely scalable learning systems. The Endless Games and Learning Lab represents ASU’s first “Realm Five” initiative, focused on delivering education at scale,” Oliver emphasised.

Techeconomy’s Oluwatosin Aloba has a chat with Mark and Bola:

Institutional Strategy

Te: What motivated Arizona State University to partner with a Nigerian gaming company like Maliyo Games?

Mark Olilla: We look for partners already creating impact. Maliyo has proven experience in both training and industry delivery, which makes them ideal.

Te: How does this initiative fit into ASU’s global strategy around experiential learning and digital innovation?

Mark: Our focus is on flexible learning pathways. People learn differently depending on their environment. Someone may learn better through games than through textbooks, and we want to support that. Games are one of the most complex forms of creation. When you learn to build games, you’re learning storytelling, programming, design, teamwork, and problem-solving skills that apply to any industry.

The model works as:

• Play to Learn → Recognising skills gained through gaming
• Make to Learn → Building real products (games, tools, experiences)
• Earn to Learn → Turning skills into income and careers

He emphasised that this model is designed to be scalable, accessible, and affordable.

Micro-Credentials: A New Kind of Qualification

Te: Why are microcredentials central to this programme?

Mark: They validate real skills especially when someone has actually built something.

Te: How will these credentials be structured to ensure global relevance and employability?

Bola Akinrolabu: Arizona State University is globally recognised, with over 180,000 students and a presence across multiple regions. A microcredential from Arizona State University provides strong validation that the learner has completed a rigorous, practical programme.

Empowering African Talent

Te: What unique advantages does Nigeria offer in the global gaming and creative economy?

Bola: Nigeria’s massive youth population and creative energy make it a strategic starting point. Also, as someone born and raised in Nigeria, I find this personal. This partnership is about opening alternative pathways to education and empowering young people to become self-reliant. This is about giving young people the ability to build careers, create companies, and shape their future.

Experiential Learning Model

Te: How will this programme deliver real-world learning?

Mark: We focus on collaboration and building. When people work together and create, that’s where real learning happens. Seeing students mentor each other and build projects, that’s exactly the ecosystem we want.

Programme Structure & Intensity

Te: Is five to six months enough for learning?

Bola: Yes. This model is proven. The intensity helps people learn in months what might take years in traditional systems. We’ve seen beginners create playable games in just days; the pressure accelerates learning.

Challenges & Execution

Te: What challenges have you encountered so far?

Bola: We’re still in the planning stage, but infrastructure such as Power supply, Hardware access, and internet connectivity is something we’re mindful of. However, the team is already working on solutions, including: Physical learning hubs with access to tools and equipment. We see it not as a barrier, but a problem we’re already working to solve.

Measuring Success & Mentorship

Te: What metrics will ASU use to measure the success of this programme? Will there be mentorship beyond the programme?

Bola: Participants must create an artefact, a working project. That’s proof of learning. The microcredential validates that they’ve completed the process. Yes, peer-to-peer mentorship is key. People who have gone through the programme come back to guide others.

Scaling & Long-Term Impact

Te: In five years, what impact would you like to see this partnership have on both Nigerian and global talent ecosystems?

Mark: We want to reach hundreds of thousands, even millions, giving people the tools to learn, create, and earn.

Bola: Ultimately, we want to see young people empowered, building careers and contributing to both Nigeria’s and the global digital economy.

This partnership signals a shift in how education, skills, and opportunity are built and validated in Africa’s digital economy. It could redefine Africa’s role in the global gaming and AI ecosystem.

Continue Reading from >>> here.

The post Mark Olilla | Bola Akinrolabu: Gaming is a Creative Way to Redefine Education for Millions in Africa appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

That’s a problem PlaywithTomide knows firsthand not just as a creator, but through the everyday experiences of his community.

Now, he’s doing something about it.

PlaywithTomide has partnered with OneDosh and taken an equity stake in the company, stepping in as an active partner to help bring a more reliable way for his audience to pay, receive, and spend money across borders.

“What stood out to us wasn’t just Tomide’s reach, but also how closely he understands his community,” said Babatunde Osinowo, co-founder of OneDosh. “This partnership is about building something that works for them, not just promoting the product, but solving a real problem in how they pay and transact.”

With one of the most engaged gaming communities in Nigeria, this isn’t about promotion; it’s about showing up and solving a real problem for people who deal with it every day.

Instead of traditional campaigns, the rollout will focus on:

• Integration directly into gaming content and live sessions
• Community-led activations, including tournaments and challenges
• Real, visible usage across the platforms his audience already uses.

The goal is simple: make the product part of how people already live, play, and transact not something they have to go out of their way to find.

By taking on a deeper role in the company, Tomide will help shape how OneDosh is introduced within his community, ensuring it feels natural, useful, and built for the way his audience already moves.

About OneDosh

OneDosh is a cross-border payments platform that enables users to send, receive, and spend money across countries through a single app and card, with a focus on simplicity, reliability, and global accessibility.

The post PlaywithTomide partners with OneDosh, takes equity stake to support his community appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

Scheduled to take place in Enugu State, this year’s conference is themed: “Code, Capital and Compliance: Unlocking Nigeria’s iGaming Tech Opportunity.”

As Nigeria’s gaming industry undergoes a structural transformation driven by decentralised regulation, digital innovation, and increased investor interest, EGC 2026 will serve as a critical convening point for stakeholders across the ecosystem.

The conference will bring together regulators, gaming operators, technology providers, investors, fintech leaders, legal experts, and policymakers to engage in high-level discussions that will shape the future of gaming in Nigeria.

With a deliberate national outlook and a strategic regional focus, EGC 2026 is uniquely positioned as the gateway to the South East gaming market, one of the most dynamic and under-leveraged regions in Nigeria’s gaming landscape.

The South East, led by Enugu State’s progressive regulatory approach, is fast emerging as a hub for gaming innovation, compliance-driven operations, and structured market expansion.

The conference will spotlight this regional opportunity, offering stakeholders direct access to market insights, regulatory frameworks, and partnership pipelines specific to the zone.

“EGC 2026 is not just a conference; it is a market entry platform,” said Prince Arinze Arum, the Executive Secretary and CEO, Enugu State Gaming and Lotteries Commission, co-organizers of the event. “For operators and technology companies looking to expand into Nigeria, particularly the South East, this event provides unmatched access to regulators, local partners, and actionable intelligence required to navigate the ecosystem effectively.”

The 2026 edition will feature:

• Strategic keynote sessions addressing national policy direction, digital transformation, and regulatory decentralisation.
• High-impact panel discussions on compliance, data protection, fintech integration, and responsible gaming.
• Specialized sessions with regulatory bodies and enforcement agencies, providing clarity on licensing, taxation, and operational requirements across states.
• Investor and operator roundtables focused on unlocking capital flows and scaling gaming businesses within Nigeria.
• Exhibitions and tech showcases highlighting cutting-edge gaming technologies and solutions tailored to the Nigerian market.

A major highlight of EGC 2026 will be its emphasis on compliance as a growth enabler, particularly in a post-centralized regulatory environment.

Participants will gain practical insights into navigating Nigeria’s fragmented regulatory structure while leveraging technology to drive efficiency, transparency, and trust.

The conference will also reinforce Enugu State’s role as a pioneer in structured gaming regulation at the sub-national level. Through deliberate policy frameworks and stakeholder engagement, the state continues to demonstrate how regional markets can drive national industry growth.

For international stakeholders, EGC 2026 offers a unique opportunity to understand Nigeria beyond headline metrics, providing nuanced perspectives on regional market dynamics, consumer behavior, and localized regulatory requirements.

As the Nigerian gaming sector continues to expand, EGC 2026 stands out as a must-attend event for any organization seeking relevance, market entry, or expansion within the industry.

Registration, sponsorship, and partnership enquiries are now open. Contact: Ejiofor Agada, Event Lead via info@enugugamingconference.com.

The post Enugu Gaming Conference 2026 to Spotlight Nigeria’s iGaming Tech, Investment Opportunities appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

On the surface, the industry looks healthy. With a young, mobile-first population and a deep appetite for sports and digital entertainment, gaming has grown into a significant contributor to economic activity.

From bustling kiosks to seamless mobile platforms, the evidence is everywhere: Nigerians are playing, and paying.

But beneath that activity lies a quieter reality.

We are earning from the act of gaming, not from the architecture behind it.

And that is where the real jackpot is being missed.

The global gaming industry does not generate its biggest returns from bets alone. It thrives on platforms, on the software, systems, and infrastructure that power the entire experience. Gaming engines, payment orchestration, fraud detection tools, compliance frameworks, these are the layers where value compounds.

In Nigeria, most of these layers are still imported.

Which means that while local operators generate revenue and governments collect taxes, a significant share of long-term value is exported through licensing fees, foreign technologies, and external dependencies.

It’s a classic case of participating in the market without owning the engine.

Interestingly, this is not unfamiliar territory. Nigeria has seen this pattern before, and broken it. In fintech, the country moved from relying on foreign systems to building solutions now used across Africa. What changed was not talent, but focus.

Gaming now sits at that same crossroads.

Because the truth is, Nigeria already has the ingredients needed to build globally relevant gaming technology. A large and engaged user base.

A fast-evolving regulatory landscape. And perhaps most importantly, a generation of developers accustomed to solving complex, real-world problems, from unstable networks to fragmented payment systems.

These are not limitations. They are exportable insights.

Yet, instead of packaging these solutions into scalable products, the industry largely deploys them locally and stops there. The result is growth without depth, activity without full value capture.

And that comes at a cost.

Every imported platform is a missed opportunity for local innovation. Every external system reinforces dependence. Over time, it limits not just revenue potential, but strategic control.

Because in technology, the real power lies not in usage, but in ownership.

To shift this trajectory, the industry must begin to think beyond operations. Regulation remains important, but it cannot be the endgame.

The conversation must expand to include technology development, investment in local platforms, and stronger collaboration between regulators, operators, and builders.

Encouragingly, this shift is beginning to surface in industry conversations, especially within platforms like the Enugu Gaming Conference, where the narrative is slowly evolving from compliance to creation.

The question now is whether that momentum will translate into action.

Because while Nigeria continues to make money from bets, the real opportunity lies elsewhere, hidden in the systems we have yet to build, and the markets we have yet to serve.

In the end, the real jackpot isn’t in the bets being placed. It’s in the technology the world is waiting to buy.

The post The Real Jackpot: Why Nigeria is Making Money from Bets, But Missing Billions from Technology appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

The initiative, unveiled following a high-level engagement in Lagos, establishes a structured framework for micro-credentialing, externships, and experiential learning, bridging the gap between academic theory and real-world production in the fast-growing interactive media industry.

Building Africa’s Next Generation of Digital Creators

At the heart of the partnership is a shared ambition to equip African youth with globally competitive, industry-ready skills, leveraging Maliyo Games’ deep understanding of local content ecosystems and Arizona State University’s leadership in digital learning innovation.

“This marks a new phase in game development, and we are genuinely excited to be building it with Maliyo Games and the GameUp Africa community,” said Mark Olilla, founding director of the Endless Games and Learning Lab at Arizona State University.

“The talent we encountered here, the drive and creativity of these developers, confirmed everything we hoped this partnership could deliver. We are looking forward to what comes next.”

Micro-Credentials Driving Real-World Impact

The programme introduces a flexible, stackable micro-credential system, enabling participants to earn globally recognized certifications from Arizona State University while gaining hands-on experience in game development and AI.

Since its rollout in early 2026, the initiative has already delivered over 150 micro-credentials to the first cohort of graduates under Maliyo’s GameUp Africa programme, signaling early traction and scalability.

For participants, the experience goes beyond certification.

“I had the incredible opportunity to collaborate with three different teams made up of talented developers, artists, and audio engineers from across Africa,” said Ibrahim Karl.

“Together, we worked on live service features and published games, which was incredibly rewarding. I’m proud to have earned a micro-credential and certification from Arizona State University.”

Scaling Talent Development Across Africa

With Africa’s gaming industry projected to exceed $5 billion by 2030, the demand for AI-literate, studio-ready talent continues to rise sharply.

Both institutions have set an ambitious target to train and certify 10,000 learners across Africa over the coming years, positioning the continent as a key player in the global gaming and digital content economy.

“This partnership reflects our commitment to building and nurturing talent within Africa’s growing gaming ecosystem,” said Hugo Obi, CEO of Maliyo Games.

“By combining structured learning, community, and access to tools, we are creating opportunities for young people to thrive in game development and beyond.”

Bridging Education, Industry, and Innovation

Beyond skills development, the collaboration represents a broader shift in how education and industry intersect in emerging markets.

By integrating externships, studio-based projects, and global certification frameworks, the initiative ensures that learning outcomes are directly aligned with market needs, closing long-standing gaps between training and employability.

The programme also strengthens U.S.–Nigeria educational exchange, reinforcing cross-border collaboration in high-growth digital sectors while positioning micro-credentials as a scalable alternative to traditional degree pathways.

Driving Economic Growth Through Creative Technology

Stakeholders say the partnership underscores the growing importance of gaming and interactive media as drivers of economic diversification, job creation, and digital exports in Africa.

With Nigeria’s large youth population and expanding digital economy, initiatives like this are expected to build local talent pipelines, enable global workforce participation, foster entrepreneurship and innovation, and strengthen Africa’s position in the global creative economy.

A Strategic Bridge Between Continents

Industry observers describe the Maliyo–ASU collaboration as more than an academic alliance—it is a strategic bridge between continents, industries, and talent ecosystems, with implications for education, technology, and economic diplomacy.

As digital creativity becomes a central pillar of global growth, the partnership positions both Nigeria and the United States at the forefront of future-focused workforce development and innovation.

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