Africacomicade has officially announced the return of its flagship annual event, Gamathon 2026. The seventh edition of the convention will take place in Lagos, Nigeria, from October 26 to October 31, 2026, and in Nairobi, Kenya, from November 26 to 28, 2026. This event serves as Africa's premier convention for the interactive and immersive media industry, covering Animation, Video Games, Comics, and Extended Reality (AVGC-XR).
Gamathon 2026 builds on the success of the previous edition, which was held across four regional hubs in Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, and Kenya. The theme for this year's edition is "Back to our Roots," aiming to realign with the realities of the sector and chart a way forward into the uncertainties of the future. The convention will feature exclusive industry sessions, mixers, hands-on technical masterclasses, exhibitions, networking, and a celebration of African digital culture.
The convention's program includes an invite-only industry dinner on October 26, followed by the Women in Games Workshop and Mixer on October 28. Online sessions will run from October 26 to 28, alongside the in-person events. Physical technical workshops and masterclasses with Unity will take place on October 29 and 30. The program will conclude with Industry Day on October 31, featuring panels, exhibitions, and the premiere of an industry documentary.
Industry Day is the main B2C segment of the convention, allowing the general public to connect with the industry. The event will include panels, showcases, a gaming tournament, and an after-party. Studios and brands interested in exhibiting can apply through the exhibitor form, which closes on October 11, 2026. Organizations and brands seeking sponsorship and branding opportunities can reach out to [email protected] for more details.
Africacomicade is a launchpad for stakeholders in Africa's video games, immersive, and interactive media industry. The organization provides support to African game developers, artists, and XR creators, connecting them with opportunities, global markets, platforms, and investment networks. Through annual conventions, developer accelerators, pitch competitions, and more, Africacomicade plays a crucial role in promoting African digital culture.
The previous edition of Gamathon urged stakeholders to strengthen their structures and systems before expanding beyond the continent. This year's edition aims to build on that momentum, providing a platform for industry stakeholders to come together and discuss the future of African digital culture. With its diverse program and focus on African digital culture, Gamathon 2026 promises to be an exciting and informative event.
As the event approaches, industry stakeholders and enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating the opportunities and insights that Gamathon 2026 will provide. With its focus on African digital culture and its aim to realign with the realities of the sector, Gamathon 2026 is set to be a critical event for anyone involved in the interactive and immersive media industry.
Key points
- Gamathon 2026 will take place in Lagos and Nairobi in October and November.
- The convention's theme is "Back to our Roots," focusing on African digital culture.
- Industry Day will feature panels, showcases, a gaming tournament, and an after-party.
