SiGMA Cape Town 2026: Reflections From Our Team’s Experience
Last week, our team had the privilege of attending SiGMA Africa conference in Cape Town, an event that continues to position Africa as a growing force in the global gaming. Beyond the prominent exhibitions and thought‑provoking panel discussions, what stood out most were the personal experiences and insights shared by our Global managing director Lois bright and Head of people and Talent for Africa, Reinardt Veldtman both of whom were speakers at the event.
This year’s conference felt intentional. It felt representative of the momentum Africa is building in the global gaming space.
A Conference Filled with Energy and Innovation
One of the first things that struck us was the atmosphere. The conference floor was fun, vibrant, and packed with energy. Service providers brought creativity and innovation to every corner of the space. The activities drew people together and created opportunities for connection that were both meaningful and enjoyable.
Being immersed in that kind of environment reminded us of something Lois said during the week:
“Africa’s industry thrives on connection and collaboration; you can feel it the moment you walk into a space like this.”
It’s this spirit of community and possibility that makes SiGMA such an important platform for all of us.
A Focus on Talent, People, and the Future of Work
As part of the conference program, our Head of People & Talent Africa, Reinardt Veldtman, contributed to the Talent and Building Tech Ups panel, a discussion centred on developing skills, empowering people, and preparing the workforce for continuous change.
One of the key points he contributed was the role of AI in the workplace.
His message was clear:
“AI is not here to take people’s jobs; we can use it to innovate us.”
This viewpoint aligns strongly with our organizational belief that technology should enhance human capability, not replace it. By embracing AI thoughtfully, businesses can empower teams, drive efficiency, and open new pathways for innovation.
Championing Women in Gaming
Our Global Managing Director, Lois Bright, had an incredibly active and meaningful presence at SiGMA this year.
Lois sat on the “Who Gets to Sit at the Table” panel, sponsored by Women in Gaming Africa (WiGA), an organisation she founded. The panel brought together powerful female leaders shaping the industry, including:
- Ekaterina Mayorova – Head of Africa, QTech Games
- Deniese Chinnappen – Founder & Executive Leader, Shift Technology Services
- Boipelo Lencwe – Licensing & Regulatory Manager, BMM Testlabs
- Angela M. – Senior VP of BD Africa, Sharp Vision
The conversation explored representation, leadership, access, and the responsibility we hold in making room – not just for ourselves, but for the next generation of women entering the industry.
Beyond the panel, Lois also organised and hosted three major Women in Gaming events across the three-days of SiGMA:
- iGB Executive Leaders Lunch
The first time this initiative came to Africa, bringing senior leaders together for meaningful dialogue, connection, and collaboration.
- Mentorship Academy x WiGA Mentorship Lunch
A powerful space focused on mentorship journeys, leadership growth, and supporting emerging women leaders in gaming.
- Betora Global Ltd. x WiGA Networking Drinks
A relaxed, community‑building event that celebrated progress, strengthened relationships, and created new ones.
These moments were a reminder of the importance of representation, community, and visibility, and of how much impact one platform can make when used with purpose.
Insights for Professionals Attending Industry Events
From the experience at SiGMA, Lois and Reinardt also shared valuable advice for professionals attending future conferences:
- Attend with a clear plan.
- Prioritize networking- meaningful connections matter.
- Step out of your comfort zone.
- Engage with people, ask questions, and be curious.
- Use the platform to build relationships and learn from industry peers.
These insights highlight the role of conferences not only as learning opportunities, but also as spaces where collaboration and personal growth can thrive.
“Africa has amazing talents; we should not sleep on it.”
Reinardt concluded with a powerful reminder that continues to resonate with us:
“Africa has amazing talents; we should not sleep on it.”
Africa continues to prove that it’s not just participating in global innovation, it’s actively shaping it. From tech startups to gaming solutions, from talent development to digital transformation, the continent is full of brilliance waiting to be recognised, nurtured, and elevated.
SiGMA is in its 3rd year, Lois observed that its representative interest in the African market right now, SiGMA Africa as a conference in Africa continues to grow.
Africa’s potential is immense, and forums like SiGMA play a vital role in showcasing this talent to the world.
Initiate International continues to be Africa’s premier iGaming recruiter, connecting world‑class talent with world‑class opportunities.
If you’re looking to hire, grow, or lead in this dynamic industry, visit our initiateinternational/contact us
Get in touch with us, it is time to #intiate change.
