Pioneers & Leaders of African iGaming: TOP 50

Pioneers & Leaders of African iGaming

Our list celebrates the 50 most influential people who are redefining iGaming across the continent. They come from varied backgrounds—operators, platform developers, marketing strategists, and industry advocates—but they all share a common goal: to improve the African gaming landscape. Their work is all about community, opportunity, and responsibility.

Below, we shine a light on their stories and their invaluable contributions to the African iGaming revolution.

50. Nasif K Balinda (Buffalo Slots)

Nasif K. Balinda is a passionate and creative digital marketing expert making waves in the African iGaming scene. As the Head of Digital Marketing at Buffalo Slots, he’s at the forefront of crafting campaigns to attract players and keep them coming back for more. Nasif focuses on everything from SEO and social media to using data analytics to fine-tune marketing efforts. He’s also a familiar face at industry events like the Sports Betting East Africa+ Summit, where he’s known for sharing practical insights on building impactful campaigns.

49. Olabimpe Akingba (Mchezo Limited)

Olabimpe Akingba is an experienced legal practitioner with a strong background in the gambling and casino industry. With a career spanning several years, she has established herself as a skilled professional in corporate advisory, compliance, legal drafting, corporate governance, and iGaming. In her current role as Regional Manager for Africa at Mchezo Limited, Olabimpe leverages her expertise to navigate the complex regulatory landscape across the continent.

48. Brian Ondieki (iGaming Consultant)

Brian Ondieki is a seasoned iGaming consultant and entrepreneur with extensive experience in Africa’s rapidly growing gaming industry. He helps operators navigate the complex regulatory landscape and develop effective business strategies to maximize growth. Brian’s deep understanding of the African market and his hands-on experience make him a trusted advisor for gaming companies looking to succeed in the region.

47. Devin Heffer (Hollywoodbets)

Devin Heffer is the Brand and Communications Manager at Hollywoodbets, one of South Africa’s leading bookmakers. He manages the company’s brand image and communication strategies, ensuring that Hollywoodbets stays connected with its audience while maintaining a strong presence in the competitive betting market. With a focus on brand development and consumer engagement, Devin plays a key role in shaping how Hollywoodbets communicates its values and offerings to players.

46. Lorien Gamaroff (Centbee)

Lorien Gamaroff is the CEO and co-founder of Centbee, a company focused on simplifying cryptocurrency transactions through Bitcoin Cash. With a passion for technology and digital innovation, Lorien has built Centbee into a user-friendly platform that aims to make cryptocurrency accessible and practical for everyday transactions. He continues to drive the company’s mission to provide an easy, secure, and scalable solution for the growing world of digital payments.

45. Steven Spartinos (Kiron Interactive)

Steven Spartinos is the Co-CEO of Kiron Interactive, a leader in virtual sports and numbers games. As part of the leadership team, Steven oversees the company’s operations and strategic direction, focusing on innovation and growth in the virtual gaming space. Under his leadership, Kiron Interactive has grown to become a major player in the virtual sports market, offering a variety of exciting products to players around the world.

44. Iwo Bulski (Buffalo Consultants)

Iwo Bulski has been professionally involved in the gambling industry since 1990, building an extensive career that spans decades of hands-on experience and expertise. He is the creator and driving force behind the E-PLAY brand, established in 2002, which encompasses online portals and a digital magazine dedicated to the gambling sector.

43. Caroline Kongwa (National Gambling Board, South Africa)

Caroline Kongwa is the Chief Strategic Adviser for South Africa’s National Gambling Board (NGB) and serves as its Accounting Authority. With a distinguished legal career, she is an admitted attorney qualified to appear in the High Court. At NGB, Caroline leads strategic initiatives to strengthen regulatory compliance, enhance accountability, and promote responsible gambling practices across the country. She is actively involved in policy development, ensuring that the sector operates with integrity and adheres to both national and international best practices.

42. Joel Anyaegbu (SIS)

As the Commercial Manager for West Africa at SIS, Joel Anyaegbu is at the heart of the company’s expansion in the region. He is responsible for building partnerships and enhancing SIS’s presence in West Africa’s vibrant betting market. Joel’s local knowledge and experience in the gaming sector enable him to develop tailored strategies that meet the needs of players and operators alike, strengthening SIS’s position as a key player in the African sports betting industry.

41. Solomon Godwin (Booming Games)

Solomon Godwin heads up Booming Games’ African operations, bringing valuable insights into the region’s gaming dynamics. His leadership has been crucial in expanding Booming Games’ footprint across the continent, including a strategic partnership to introduce their slot games to the South African market. Solomon’s deep understanding of the local gaming culture and market needs helps Booming Games thrive in new and emerging markets, driving innovation and creating engaging experiences for players.

40. Martin Nieri (888Africa)

Martin Nieri is the Chief Marketing Officer at 888Africa, leading the company’s efforts to expand its presence across Africa. Before joining 888Africa, Martin served as CEO of GOAT Interactive, where he managed operations in 17 African countries. With a strong background in digital marketing and business growth, Martin is passionate about leveraging his knowledge to develop strategies that resonate with African markets. His leadership is key to helping 888Africa grow sustainably and meaningfully in this rapidly evolving space.

39. Chris Mwirigi (Betika)

Chris Mwirigi is the co-founder of Betika, one of Kenya’s leading sports betting companies. His deep understanding of the African market and his entrepreneurial approach have been instrumental in Betika’s rapid growth. Chris’s commitment to innovation and customer engagement has helped Betika establish a strong presence in the competitive sports betting landscape. He continues to drive Betika’s success by focusing on creating accessible, engaging, and responsible gaming experiences for players across Kenya and beyond.

38. Kamil oraz Michał Głowacki (SB Software)

Kamil and Michał Głowacki are the dynamic duo behind SB Software, a company that has become a key player in the global betting software industry. Kamil, as the Chief Technology Officer (CTO), leads the company’s tech innovations, ensuring that SB Software stays at the cutting edge with its solutions. Michał, as the Chief Operating Officer (COO), focuses on the company’s daily operations and strategic growth, ensuring smooth execution across all areas of the business. Together, they have built a company that has expanded its footprint not just in Europe, but also in emerging markets like Africa.

37. Sabrina Govender (EasyGames)

Sabrina Govender is a seasoned professional in the iGaming industry, currently serving as the Project Manager Team Lead at EasyGames. Her journey began during her university years, where she gained initial exposure to the online gaming sector through vacation work with a Hollywoodbets. This experience ignited her passion for the industry, leading her to pursue an Honours degree in Information and Communication Technology (ICT). With a strong foundation in application development, Sabrina has accumulated extensive experience across various facets of iGaming, including player engagement and regulatory compliance.

36. Yugan Naik (Easy Games)

Yugan Naik is the CEO and founder of Easy Games, a company that emerged during the COVID-19 lockdown and has quickly grown into one of Africa’s most innovative iGaming companies. Yugan’s vision was to create a gaming platform that prioritizes speed, performance, and minimal data usage, making it accessible to a wider audience in Africa. His leadership and focus on user-friendly solutions have played a key role in Easy Games’ success, and he continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the gaming world.

35. Stephen Ogundipe (iLOT)

Stephen Ogundipe is the Senior Performance and Digital Marketing Manager at iLOT, where he leads efforts to optimize their online marketing strategies and digital presence. With a background in digital marketing, Stephen’s focus is on performance-driven campaigns that enhance customer acquisition and engagement. His expertise in data analytics and user behavior has helped iLOT build stronger relationships with players and achieve measurable growth.

34. Borah Omary (betPawa)

Borah Omary is the East Regional Manager at betPawa, overseeing new market expansion and campaign strategies across East Africa. With over 6 years of experience in marketing and communications, she brings a deep understanding of the region’s diverse markets. Borah works tirelessly to ensure that betPawa’s campaigns are locally relevant and impactful, always aiming to connect with players in a meaningful way.

33. Adeleye Awakan (Mchezo Limited)

Adeleye Awakan is a seasoned gaming consultant with over a decade of experience in the African gambling industry. He has a proven track record in key areas such as mergers and acquisitions (M&A), licensing, market research, and facilitating successful partnerships. Adeleye has extensive experience in market entry strategies, start-up setups, and adapting platforms to suit the unique demands of the African market.

32. Simon Pepper (Tola Mobile)

Simon Pepper is an experienced Product Manager for software solutions with over 20 years of hands-on experience in product management. As Chief Product Officer at Tola Mobile, Simon combines technical expertise with up-to-date marketing techniques and agile product development methods to shape the company’s product strategy. His focus is on creating and executing strategic product directions, driving ‘Go-to-market’ initiatives, and building high-performing teams on a global scale.

31. Sasha Boerma (Coastline Gaming)

Sasha Boerma is the Head of Affiliates at Coastline Gaming, where she plays a pivotal role in managing affiliate partnerships and driving the company’s digital marketing strategies. With plenty of experience in affiliate marketing, Sasha has built a reputation for being a connector within the industry. Known for her dedication and passion, she’s actively involved in shaping Coastline Gaming’s affiliate programs, ensuring they align with both the company’s and its partners’ goals. Sasha is also an advocate for collaboration and regularly shares her expertise at industry events.

30. Klaire Muriithi (DPO Pay by Network)

Klaire Muriithi is a seasoned brand and marketing consultant based in Nairobi, known for her innovative approach to brand development. With years of experience working with both global and local brands, Klaire has mastered the art of creating marketing campaigns that truly resonate with target audiences. She began her career working with major brands like Coca-Cola, where she played a role in impactful campaigns that connected with consumers on a personal level. Recently, at Little App Kenya, Klaire has been using her expertise to help the company navigate Kenya’s competitive market, driving visibility and growth.

29. Yudi Soetjiptadi (Eventus International)

Yudi Soetjiptadi has been at the forefront of the African iGaming industry for over a decade, turning his vision into reality through Eventus International, the events company he founded in 2010. With a passion for connecting people and fostering collaboration, Yudi has created platforms like the Sports Betting West Africa+ Summit, which has become a key gathering for the region’s gaming stakeholders. Eventus International has grown into a global brand, hosting over 19 events annually across four continents. These gatherings bring together regulators, operators, and industry leaders, sparking conversations that shape the future of gaming.

28. Oyindamola Michaels (LiveScore Group)

Oyindamola Michaels is the Country Manager for LiveScore Group in Nigeria, where he plays a key role in driving the company’s strategy and operations in one of Africa’s most dynamic markets. His extensive background in business development and market expansion has allowed her to help LiveScore navigate the competitive sports media and betting space in Nigeria. Oyindamola’s ability to adapt strategies to meet the specific needs of the Nigerian market has made her an invaluable leader in the company.

27. Rusudan Javakhishvili (SmartSoft)

Rusudan Javakhishvili brings a wealth of expertise to her role as Vice President Commercial at SmartSoft. She first joined the company in 2022, initially as the Head of Finance and Strategic Projects, where she was integral to financial planning and shaping long-term strategic goals. By 2024, Rusudan’s role shifted to Head of Account Management, where she was leading client relationships and driving business development initiatives. She’s been instrumental in guiding SmartSoft’s expansion into new markets, including Africa, where her understanding of the local market dynamics has been crucial.

26. Jeremiah Maangi (iGaming AFRIKA)

Jeremiah Maangi is a well-known figure in Africa’s iGaming scene. As the Founder and CEO of iGaming AFRIKA, he has been instrumental in advancing media relations and industry advocacy, helping to shape the future of iGaming and sports betting on the continent. With a career that spans significant roles such as Sales and Marketing Specialist for SportPesa, Jeremiah’s deep understanding of African markets has helped him build a platform that connects and promotes key industry players.

25. Wayne Lurie (Lurie Inc)

Wayne Lurie is a seasoned legal professional specializing in gambling and technology law. In 2003, he founded Lurie Inc., South Africa’s oldest niche gambling law practice. Over the past two decades, Wayne has been instrumental in shaping gambling legislation both locally and internationally. His firm is highly regarded by operators and regulators alike, having been extensively consulted on the drafting of gambling legislation in South Africa and beyond.

24. Olalekan Joseph Oyekunle (888STARZ)

Olalekan Joseph Oyekunle is an experienced professional in the iGaming industry, currently working at 888STARZ, where he focuses on sales, business development, and account management. With a strong background in both B2B and B2C operations, Joseph brings exceptional communication skills and a customer-centric approach to his role, ensuring trusted relationships with clients and a focus on achieving results.

23. Lois Bright (The Conexus Group)

Lois Bright is the Director of Africa and the Middle East at The Conexus Group, where she leads efforts to expand professional services in the iGaming and PayTech sectors across these regions. With over 15 years of experience, Lois is a passionate advocate for diversity, Lois founded Women in Gaming Africa in 2024, a platform dedicated to mentorship, networking, and collaboration for women in the industry.

22. James Everett (BetGames)

James Everett is the Vice President for Africa and Latin America at BetGames, where he leads the company’s strategic expansion and operations across these dynamic regions. With a focus on market growth and product localization, James has played a key role in strengthening BetGames’ presence in Africa by introducing innovative products tailored to local preferences.

21. Kwabena Oppong Nkrumah (Sports Betting Group Ghana Limited)

Kwabena Oppong Nkrumah is a marketing leader in Ghana’s sports betting industry. As the Country Manager for Betway Ghana, he has played a pivotal role in growing the brand’s presence and creating a better experience for customers. His innovative touch is seen in initiatives like the Mega Picks Jackpot and Bet Saver, both of which have been tailored to meet the needs of Ghanaian players and enhance their betting journey. Beyond the numbers, Kwabena is passionate about using sports to create positive change. He led Betway’s partnership with the Ghana Women’s Premier League, bringing mentorship and resources to support women’s football in the country.

20. Byron Petzer (KingMakers)

Byron Petzer is the driving force behind KingMakers, a leading name in Africa’s sports and digital entertainment space. As the co-founder of BetKing, one of Nigeria’s top sports betting platforms, Byron has helped redefine the gaming experience for millions of players across the continent. Under his leadership, KingMakers has built a reputation for innovation and customer focus, creating engaging and responsible gaming opportunities.

19. Felix Mulandi (iGaming Consultant)

Felix Mulandi is a trusted name in the African iGaming industry, with over nine years of hands-on experience helping businesses thrive in this fast-evolving market. From online gaming to retail operations and virtual sports, Felix has built a career around crafting effective strategies that drive customer engagement and business growth. His work with top brands like 22Bet and SportyBet highlights his ability to navigate the unique challenges of the region while delivering measurable results.

18. Purity Wahiu (Stellar Bets)

Purity Wahiu is a trailblazer in East Africa’s iGaming and sports betting scene. Recently she held the position of Operations Manager at Palms Bet Kenya, where she brought her expertise and dedication to managing the fast-paced world of sports betting, ensuring smooth operations and fostering growth. Beyond her professional role, she is a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion as the Regional Ambassador for Women in Gaming: African Chapter, where she works to empower women and drive positive change in the industry.

17. Conor O’Donovan (TEKKORP Capital)

Conor O’Donovan is the Africa Partner at Tekkorp Capital, a global investment and advisory firm specializing in betting and gaming. With over a decade of experience in the African gaming industry, Conor has held leadership roles such as CEO of Betyetu Group and is the founder of Tribe54, an investment company focused on fintech, payments, and gaming in Africa. At Tekkorp Capital, Conor leads strategic initiatives across the continent, identifying investment opportunities and providing operational, technical, and strategic support to operators.

16. Imran Bukhari (NE Group)

Imran Bukhari is the Founder and CEO of NE Group, a leading B2B iGaming software provider known for its innovative and lightweight frontend solutions. With over 14 years of experience in the gaming and sports industries, Imran has driven NE Group’s expansion into 12 African countries, tailoring products to meet the needs of the region.

15. Arthur Perry (10Bet Africa)

Arthur Perry is a dynamic leader at the helm of 10Bet Africa, guiding the online sports betting platform’s growth across key markets. With a deep understanding of the African landscape, Arthur has focused on creating localized betting experiences that resonate with players in each region. Under his leadership, 10Bet has established local hubs, built teams from the ground up, and tailored its offerings to reflect the unique needs of its diverse markets.

14. Tim Scoffham (WA.Technology)

Tim Scoffham is the CEO of WA.Technology, a leading B2B iGaming solutions provider known for its focus on emerging markets, including Latin America and Africa. Under Tim’s leadership, the company has achieved several milestones. Tim emphasizes localization and tailoring products to meet the unique needs of each market, a strategy that has driven the company’s success.

13. Geoffrey Muindi (Sattam Solutions)

Geoffrey Muindi is a trusted advisor and visionary in the iGaming industry, known for his ability to blend innovative thinking with actionable strategies. As the Lead Consultant at Sattam Solutions, Geoffrey works closely with gaming operators to enhance customer acquisition, build brand loyalty, and boost retention, helping businesses stay competitive in a fast-evolving market. With a reputation for tackling challenges head-on, Geoffrey’s approach is rooted in delivering sustainable growth and meaningful results.

12. Dean Finder (Evolution Services SA)

Dean Finder serves as the CEO of Evolution Services South Africa and Head of the Africa Region for Evolution. Since stepping into the role in 2019, Dean has been at the forefront of expanding Evolution’s presence across the continent, bringing its cutting-edge live casino solutions to a growing audience. His leadership has driven key partnerships that have helped shape the future of gaming in Africa. With deep roots in the industry, Dean’s career spans decades, including roles at Phumelela Gaming & Leisure Limited, where he served as COO of the Betting Division and Executive of Legal & Compliance.

11. Martin Sack (Brainstorm Online)

Martin Sack has been a driving force in the African iGaming landscape for over 15 years, blending expertise in online casinos, sports betting, and poker with a genuine passion for the industry’s growth. As the Founder and Director of Brainstorm Online, a consultancy based in Johannesburg, Martin helps gaming businesses navigate challenges and unlock their full potential. Beyond his professional achievements, Martin is a familiar face at industry events like SiGMA Africa, where he shares insights on everything from market trends to regulation.

10. Denis Mudene Ngabirano (National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board)

Denis Mudene Ngabirano is a visionary leader at the helm of Uganda’s National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board (NLGRB). As CEO, he has been instrumental in transforming Uganda’s gaming industry, setting new standards for fairness, accountability, and responsible gaming. With a strong focus on participant protection and ethical practices, Denis has made it his mission to create a safe and balanced gaming environment for all.

9. Bashir Are (Lagos State Lotteries & Gaming Authority)

Bashir Are is a seasoned leader in the gaming industry and the CEO of the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority (LSLGA). With over 28 years of experience spanning both public and private sectors, Bashir has played a crucial role in reshaping Lagos’s gaming landscape. Under his leadership, LSLGA has strengthened regulatory compliance and championed responsible gaming practices, fostering growth and trust in the industry.

8. Simon Munsamy (Playtech)

Simon Munsamy is a leader in the gaming industry, currently serving as Managing Director for Africa at Playtech. Known for his strategic vision and deep understanding of the market, Simon is driving Playtech’s expansion across the continent, focusing on delivering innovative and locally tailored gaming solutions. With a career that includes key roles such as Commercial Director for Evolution Africa and Head of Product at Hollywoodbets, Simon has a proven track record of building strong partnerships and fostering growth.

7. Cuan Chelin (Sportingbet South Africa)

Cuan Chelin is an accomplished entrepreneur and the co-founder of Sportingbet South Africa, the country’s pioneering online sports betting platform. With a background as a chartered accountant and an MBA graduate, Cuan brought both strategic insight and a forward-thinking vision to establish Sportingbet as a household name in the South African gaming landscape. His leadership helped transform the business into a benchmark for innovation in the industry.

6. Tyrone Dobbin (Sportingbet South Africa)

Tyrone Dobbin is a recognized leader in Africa’s gaming industry, bringing over 15 years of experience as Managing Director of Sportingbet South Africa. Under his leadership, the company has become a household name, celebrated for its innovation and focus on creating an exceptional customer experience in the online sports betting space. Beyond his role at Sportingbet, Tyrone serves as Chairperson of the Western Cape Bookmakers Association, where he champions responsible gaming and fosters collaboration across the industry.

5. Laurence Michel (Betway Africa)

Laurence Michel is the CEO of Betway Africa, where he oversees the company’s operations and growth strategy across the continent. Laurence’s focus is on delivering tailored gaming experiences that resonate with Africa’s diverse markets while ensuring the Betway brand continues to thrive as a trusted name in sports betting.

4. Charmaine Mabuza (ITHUBA)

Charmaine Mabuza is the CEO and Director of ITHUBA, the operator of South Africa’s National Lottery. Known for her innovative approach, Charmaine has overseen several initiatives to modernize the lottery system while contributing to impactful social development projects. Her achievements have earned her international recognition, including being named one of the most influential women in the global gaming industry.

3. Peter Emolemo Kesitilwe (Botswana Gamiing Authority)

Peter Emolemo Kesitilwe leads Botswana’s Gambling Authority as CEO, guiding the organization’s regulatory and operational responsibilities. With over 19 years of executive management experience and credentials as a Fellow Chartered Accountant (FCA), Peter brings a strong foundation in financial oversight and governance. His leadership continues to drive regulatory excellence in Botswana’s gaming industry.

2. Ronald Karauri (Sportpesa)

Ronald Karauri is the CEO of SportPesa, a pioneering sports betting company in Kenya. Before joining the gaming industry, Ronald served as a commercial pilot and Secretary-General of the Kenya Airline Pilots Association. Under his leadership, SportPesa has grown into one of the most recognized brands in African sports betting, known for its community engagement and innovative sponsorships that uplift local and international sports.

1. Christopher Coyne (888Africa)

Christopher Coyne is an experienced leader in the online gaming industry and currently serves as the Co-Founder and CEO of 888Africa. With prior roles including Chief Marketing Officer at The Stars Group and CEO of GOAT Interactive, Christopher has a track record of spearheading growth in competitive markets. Since founding 888Africa in 2022, he has been at the forefront of launching the 888bet brand in key African markets, focusing on delivering tailored and engaging gaming experiences across the continent.