Nedbank is the headline sponsor for rAge Nation

For as long as I can remember, rAge, in some iteration, has been one of the crowning gaming, geek, tech, and esports events in South Africa. There’s already a lot of hype surrounding the annual mega-event, called rAge Nation, which takes place at the end of November this year.

Nedbank has already shown its commitment to competitive gaming through the Nedbank Esports Arena, a platform that was created to support South Africa’s amateur gaming community. Now, I’m excited to report that Nedbank will be rAge Nation 2026’s headline sponsor. The partnership represents the next step in Nedbank’s journey to grow South African gaming.

You probably don’t want to hear me drone on about how exciting this is, so let’s rather take a look at some quotes directly from the Press Release.

Chipo Mushwana, Executive Emerging VP Innovate, explains that: “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. 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.“

Michael James, Project Director of rAge Nation, states: “rAge has always been about bringing people together through a shared passion for gaming and technology. 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.“

Barry Louzada, managing director of Mettlestate, a strategic partner for rAge Nation, explains: “We are not simply building a bigger expo. 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.”

I, for one, cannot wait to experience rAge Nation from 27 to 29 November 2026 at Fourways Mall, Johannesburg. It’s on Level 8, in case you were wondering. See you there!

Header image via rAge Nation / Nedbank.