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Nedbank is deepening its commitment to South Africa’s gaming community as the headline sponsor of rAge Nation, taking place from 27 to 29 November 2026 at Level 8, Fourways Mall in Johannesburg.
The partnership brings together Nedbank’s growing involvement in South African gaming and esports with an event that has been at the heart of the country’s gaming and geek culture for more than two decades.
For Nedbank, the partnership is about more than reaching a growing audience. It reflects the bank’s belief that gaming is a powerful cultural and economic force that gives people opportunities to play, compete, create, connect and build careers. The headline partnership represents the next step in Nedbank’s journey to support and grow South African gaming.
“Gaming has become one of the most influential forms of entertainment and community in South Africa. For the people inside it, however, it has always been much more than entertainment,” says Chipo Mushwana, Executive Emerging VP Innovate. “It is where friendships are formed, skills are developed, careers begin and people find communities in which they belong. Nedbank understands that potential, and we want to help create more opportunities for South African gamers to participate, progress and be recognised.”
Nedbank has already demonstrated its commitment to the world of gaming through the Nedbank Esports Arena, a platform created to support South Africa’s amateur gaming community.
Nedbank Esports Arena is evolving into a broader digital platform designed around the financial and lifestyle needs of South Africa’s gaming and esports community. The platform aims to connect gamers with a growing range of relevant benefits and experiences, including discounted gaming top-ups and vouchers through selected partners, exclusive rewards based on spend on the platform, and access to selected tournaments and events such as rAge Nation.
“By bringing together useful financial capabilities, gaming rewards and community experiences, the Nedbank Esports Arena has the potential to become a dedicated digital hub that enhances the local gaming lifestyle,” adds Mushwana.
Nedbank rAge Nation
Since its launch more than two decades ago, rAge Nation has brought together gamers, esports competitors, creators, technology enthusiasts, cosplayers and pop culture communities. In 2026, the event will evolve from a traditional expo into a fully immersive festival of gaming, technology, entertainment and culture.
Visitors can expect competitive gaming, creator-led content, immersive brand experiences, live entertainment, technology showcases and community-driven activities designed to turn attendees into active participants.
“rAge has always been about bringing people together through a shared passion for gaming and technology,” says Michael James, Project Director of rAge Nation. “As the event evolves into a broader gaming and digital culture festival, it’s important to partner with brands that understand the value of community, innovation and meaningful experiences. Nedbank shares that vision, and we’re incredibly excited to welcome them as a partner on this journey.”
Gaming is becoming an increasingly important part of South Africa’s creative and digital economy, creating new opportunities across technology, content creation, design, music, storytelling, entrepreneurship and professional competition. Its growth is opening doors not only for players, but also for the creators, developers and businesses building careers and livelihoods around the industry.
“We are not simply building a bigger expo,” adds Barry Louzada, managing director of Mettlestate, rAge Nation’s strategic partner. “We are building an experience where gaming, creators, technology, entertainment and community come together. rAge Nation celebrates the people shaping gaming culture while giving more South Africans the opportunity to take part in it. Having Nedbank as our headline partner gives that ambition even greater momentum.”
Nedbank rAge Nation will bring together thousands of gamers, creators, competitors, exhibitors, families and fans for three days celebrating the future of play.
For more information and to buy tickets, visit www.ragenation.gg. Tickets are also available on Howler.
INFO SUPPLIED.