Meridian Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: MRDN) announced that William Scott, Chairman and Chief Financial Officer, will participate in a panel discussion at the 2026 SBC Summit in Lisbon, Portugal. 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 senior executives from 888Africa, SportPesa, Maybets, and Kingmakers to examine how player preferences vary across African markets, which countries are expanding fastest, and how regulations are shifting activity from the grey market to licensed operators.
The discussion comes 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, a young population, and evolving regulatory frameworks. The panel will specifically address the role of mobile money platforms in player conversion and regulatory developments in key markets such as Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Egypt, Ghana, and Uganda. These factors are critical for operators seeking to establish sustainable, compliant businesses in the region.
Meridian Holdings, through its flagship subsidiary Meridianbet, already maintains an established presence across several African markets. Scott’s insights will draw from his experience navigating the continent’s regulatory landscape and overseeing 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,” Scott said. “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 significance of this announcement extends beyond a single speaking engagement. Meridian’s participation signals its strategic focus on Africa’s high-growth potential and its commitment to regulatory compliance. As the market matures, operators that engage with regulators and adapt to local payment ecosystems—such as mobile money—are likely to gain a competitive edge. The panel’s emphasis on the shift from grey to licensed markets highlights a broader industry trend: as regulations tighten, licensed operators stand to benefit from increased legitimacy and player trust. For Meridian, this aligns with its existing footprint across 25+ regulated markets and its B2B and B2C operations, which include game developer Expanse Studios and iGaming platform GMAG.
The SBC Summit Lisbon brings together industry leaders to discuss emerging opportunities. Meridian’s presence at the event underscores the company’s proactive approach to market expansion and thought leadership. For investors and stakeholders, the panel offers a glimpse into how Meridian is positioning itself to capitalize on Africa’s growth trajectory while mitigating regulatory risks. As the continent’s iGaming market continues to evolve, Meridian’s early engagement and on-the-ground experience could translate into tangible advantages. The company’s software automatically declines gaming or redemption requests originating in the United States, in strict compliance with U.S. law, further demonstrating its commitment to regulatory adherence across jurisdictions.
For more information, visit www.meridian-holdings.com or view the original release on www.newmediawire.com.
