Meridian Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: MRDN) announced that William Scott, Chairman and Chief Financial Officer, will participate in a panel at the 2026 SBC Summit in Lisbon, Portugal, from September 29 to October 1. The panel, titled “The Africa Advantage: High Growth, Fast Regulation, Huge Potential,” will open the Global & Emerging Markets Stage on Tuesday, September 29 at 13:00 local time. Scott will be joined by Christopher Coyne, CEO of 888Africa; Jason Gibson, Chief Commercial Officer of SportPesa; Aggrey Sayi, CEO of Maybets; and Ronnie Whelan, CEO of Kingmakers.
The discussion arrives as Africa solidifies its position as one of the fastest-growing regions in global iGaming. According to iGaming Business, the continent's online betting and gaming market is projected to grow from $12.7 billion in 2026 to $19.4 billion by 2030. This rapid expansion is driven by increasing mobile penetration, youthful demographics, and a shift from grey-market operations to licensed, regulated environments. The panel will examine how player preferences vary across markets, which countries are expanding fastest, and where regulations are redirecting activity toward licensed operators. Key topics include the role of mobile money platforms in player conversion and regulatory developments in Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Egypt, Ghana, and Uganda.
Meridianbet, Meridian Holdings’ flagship sports betting and gaming subsidiary, maintains an established presence across several African markets. Scott will bring insights from his experience navigating the continent’s regulatory landscape in addition to his oversight of Meridian’s broader international operations. “Africa represents one of the most compelling growth stories in our industry right now, and it’s an opportunity we’ve been building toward for years,” said Scott. “I’m looking forward to sharing perspective alongside operators who, like Meridian, are working directly with regulators and players across these markets and discussing what it takes to build a sustainable, compliant business as this region continues to mature.”
The implications of this announcement extend beyond a single speaking engagement. Meridian’s participation signals its strategic focus on Africa’s high-growth iGaming sector, where regulatory frameworks are rapidly evolving. As more countries establish licensing regimes, operators with local expertise and compliance infrastructure stand to gain a competitive advantage. Meridian’s existing footprint and its B2B capabilities—through game developer Expanse Studios and iGaming platform GMAG—position it to capitalize on both B2C and B2B opportunities. The panel’s emphasis on mobile money underscores a critical driver of financial inclusion and player conversion in markets where traditional banking is limited. By sharing its experience, Meridian reinforces its role as a knowledgeable operator capable of navigating complex regulatory environments. For investors, the event highlights the company’s proactive approach to expanding in a region expected to add nearly $7 billion in market value by 2030. As Africa’s iGaming landscape matures, Meridian’s insights and on-the-ground presence could translate into tangible growth, making this panel a notable indicator of the company’s strategic direction.
For more information, visit www.meridian-holdings.com.
