Fak’ugesi, the African digital innovation festival, runs in Johannesburg from 13 to 17 October 2026. This is its 13th year, and the theme is African Imaginaries. The programme spreads across the Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct and Wits venues in Braamfontein, with the Dala Khona African Gaming Arcade, gaming talks, game jams and a Red Bull Wings Cup session on the line-up. The main public programme runs from 14 to 17 October; the opening on 13 October is invitation only.
Gaming on the programme
- Dala Khona African Gaming Arcade: play African-made games, try prototypes and meet developers at Tshimologong. The arcade is open to festival attendees across 13 to 17 October; confirm daily hours and access with the organiser. See the official arcade programme.
- Wednesday 14 October, 12:30: Dr Olu Randle asks “Can Video Games Preserve Indigenous Knowledge?” at the Origins Centre.
- Friday 16 October, 14:00 to 19:00: the Gaming Hub hosts a Red Bull Wings Cup session. Entry rules for this session are not published yet, so check the Wings Cup guide and Red Bull before you go.
- Friday 16 October: Tournament of Power, game jams and pitch sessions run through the day.
- Saturday 17 October: Women Game Jam South Africa and Game Jam Plus South Africa open to game creators and newcomers.
Tickets
- Day pass for 14 to 17 October: R135 students, R340 general public
- Full pass: R540 students, R750 general public
- Industry pass: R1,950
- The opening on 13 October and the awards on 17 October are invitation only.
Tickets are sold through the official Webtickets listing. The full programme and registration are on the Fak’ugesi website.
Sources: Wits University programme announcement, fakugesi.co.za, Dala Khona arcade programme, Webtickets. Checked 11 October 2026. Times are South African Standard Time. Confirm details with the organiser before you buy or travel.