“The future of the iGaming industry in Africa is incredibly bright”

What do you consider your greatest professional achievement in your career so far?

Establishing the local vertical for Evolution in Africa and growing it to the excellent heights we have achieved so far. We started with just two people, myself and Wayne Kupritz, Head of Business Operations in January 2020 and we are now a team of over 30 across Africa, with 2 fully fledged offices in South Africa- one in Cape Town and one in Johannesburg, as well as a local presence in Lagos Nigeria. It would be remiss of me not to mention that without the unwavering support of the rest of Evolution Group who have supported the Africa venture fully from the start, we would not have been able to reach our ambitious goals.

What qualities do you think are essential for leaders in the iGaming industry? Are these qualities different when addressing the unique challenges of the African market?

The iGaming industry is changing and evolving at a rapid rate, so you need to be resilient and adaptable to change in order to succeed. My vast experience in the gaming and betting industry both as an entrepreneur and as part of the corporate world, which I incidentally joined later in life, have and continue to assist my growth and achievement. The iGaming industry in South Africa and the trends are very similar to Europe, however, the rest of Africa, is very different and nuanced. You need to understand the African markets and the local conditions of each of the different markets.

What challenges does Evolution face daily while expanding into the African market?

Evolution faces numerous challenges in its efforts to expand into the African market. A major hurdle is navigating the diverse gambling regulations and gaming taxes across the continent, with each country having its own legal framework. Technological barriers also arise, as internet access varies widely, and many users rely on older devices. Additionally, building trust with players and catering to diverse cultural preferences adds complexity.

To address these challenges, Evolution takes a proactive approach. By partnering with reputable local operators, the company builds credibility and gains insights into regional market dynamics. Evolution optimises its games for a wide range of devices and operating systems, ensuring accessibility across mobile, desktop, and retail environments. Leveraging its global expertise and open dialogue with regional lawmakers, Evolution navigates local regulations and tax requirements effectively, ensuring compliance and fostering sustainable growth.

Through these strategies, Evolution lays the groundwork for long-term success in the African market. With continued technological investment, the growth of the iGaming industry in Africa is poised to accelerate, making it an exciting region for expansion.

Which African countries stand out in terms of market development compared to others?

South Africa is by far the biggest and most mature market in Africa and it has grown at rapid rate since 2020. According to the National Gambling Board stats, over €560m was wagered between April 2023 and March 2024 with GGR of over €310m. The growth was over 50% year on year. The betting industry in SA is poised even further growth with positive economic sentiment prevailing since the formation of the new government of National Unity, since the general elections in May 2024. Nigeria, Zambia, Ghana are few examples of other good markets, however, the truth is there is opportunity across all of Africa.

Do you see potential in developing games with a local flavour that reflect African culture and traditions?

Localisation not only in game development is crucial to succeed across Africa, so the answer is a big YES!

How do you envision the future of the iGaming industry in Africa? Are there any trends or technologies that you believe could revolutionize the sector in this region?

The future of the iGaming industry in Africa is incredibly bright. With a young and dynamic population, the continent is poised for economic growth, and iGaming will play a key role in this transformation. As infrastructure investments bring affordable, reliable, and fast internet, coupled with rising smartphone penetration, the industry will unlock its full potential and grow year on year.

Players seek lasting entertainment with content tailored to them, the chance to win big with a small outlay, instant gratification, and increasingly social gaming experiences. Live casino, online slots, and social casinos deliver on this, making the future exceptionally promising for providers like Evolution who can offer products that meet these expectations.