Africa’s iGaming sector is no longer just an “emerging market” it’s fast becoming a cornerstone of the global gambling industry. With smartphone adoption now exceeding 70% across the continent, mobile-first betting and gaming are reshaping consumer behavior, opening vast opportunities for forward-thinking operators. At SBC Summit 2025, this rapid transformation takes the spotlight on the Emerging Markets Stage, where the Africa track will deliver a full day of dedicated content, expert insights, and targeted networking.
Hosted at the Feira Internacional de Lisboa (FIL), the Africa sessions will bring together regulators, CEOs, innovators, and marketing leaders to dissect the opportunities and challenges of operating in one of the most dynamic regions in gaming today. While established hubs such as South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya continue to grow, new frontiers in Ghana, Tanzania, and other rising markets are attracting fresh investment and innovation.
The day will kick off with the Africa Leaders Panel: An Ever-Expanding Horizon, where senior executives including Christopher Coyne (888AFRICA), Sab Jhooti (Bonmoja), and Laurence Michel (Super Group) will share first-hand insights on scaling across Africa’s complex markets. Expect candid discussion on where to invest first, how to build trust with local regulators and communities, and the pitfalls that can derail new entrants.
With mobile money at the heart of African commerce, technology will be a central theme of the day. The panel A Continent on the Move: Sportsbook Technology in Africa will explore how operators can leverage mobile payment infrastructure, blockchain, and in-play betting to capture growth. Speakers like Charles Lee (Kwiff) and Anton Rublievskyi (Growe) will highlight how homegrown African innovations are influencing global sportsbook design.
Beyond sports, the discussion shifts to Africa’s Casino Curve and the Rise of New Games, examining whether casino products are ready to capture the same enthusiasm as sports betting. Panelists such as Jeremiah Maangi (iGaming AFRIKA) and Lois Bright (Women in Gaming Africa) will analyze which formats resonate with local audiences and how platforms can deliver content that bridges betting traditions with emerging demand.
Read Also: Africa: iGaming’s Next Frontier
No conversation about African gaming is complete without addressing regulation. The session Regulating Africa: Putting the Player First gathers top regulators including Bashir Are (Lagos State Lotteries & Gaming Authority) and Peter Kesitilwe (Botswana Gambling Authority) to discuss evolving compliance frameworks. From multi-market licensing strategies to technology-driven player protection, this discussion offers practical guidance for operators committed to long-term growth.
The day concludes with Marketing to Africa: No More One-Size-Fits-All, where marketing and communications leaders will share proven strategies for reaching Africa’s diverse audiences. With a mobile-first population and deeply varied cultural preferences, success requires localization, data-driven insights, and a willingness to adapt messaging across regions.
Speakers such as Ben Cove (Logifuture), Maha Otu (Betwinner Affiliates), and Michael Rasmussen (E2 Communications) will reveal how leading operators are tailoring campaigns, optimizing UX, and predicting market trends through advanced analytics.
Beyond the panels, the Africa track is designed to maximize networking opportunities. Delegates can connect with licensing experts, PSPs, telecom providers, and market-entry consultants. Two standout gatherings will be the Women in Gaming Africa Meetup (5–6 pm, Food Festival Area) and the Africa Networking Drinks (5 pm, Emerging Markets Lounge), offering a relaxed environment to forge connections with industry peers.
As Africa transitions from an emerging market to a growth engine for global iGaming, operators, suppliers, and investors cannot afford to ignore its potential. From mobile-first innovation and fintech partnerships to evolving regulation and localized marketing, the opportunities are vast—but so are the risks for those who fail to understand the nuances.
At SBC Summit 2025, the Africa-focused Emerging Markets Stage provides the insights, connections, and strategies to ensure that stakeholders are not just entering the market—but thriving in it.
👉 Learn more: SBC Summit Emerging Markets – Africa
