As part of our unwavering commitment to championing diversity, innovation, and collaboration within the African gaming industry, Women in Gaming Africa, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering inclusivity and empowerment within the gaming industry, in partnership with iGaming AFRIKA, Africa’s premier source for casino, sportsbook, and lottery news, proudly unveils the TOP 50 Most Influential Men in Gaming List for 2024.
This milestone initiative has recognized and celebrated the visionaries, trailblazers, and advocates who are redefining the gaming landscape across the continent. The recognitions made in November honor 50 remarkable men who have made significant contributions to the iGaming sector in Africa. Guided by a distinguished panel of 13 anonymous judges—each representing a diverse cross-section of expertise from Africa’s gaming and tech sectors and beyond—over 250 nominees were carefully reviewed.
Candidates were assessed against rigorous criteria highlighting impact, influence, innovation, and dedication to advancing the industry. It’s essential to highlight that this recognition reflects only a portion of the numerous exceptional talents in the industry. As part of our ongoing efforts, we eagerly anticipate honoring even more impactful individuals in the years ahead. The 50 include:
Adekunle Adeniji
Adekunle Adeniji, CEO of 9jawin, is a trailblazer in Africa’s gaming industry, with over a decade of hands-on experience in sports betting, lottery, and gaming operations. Known for his pioneering roles, Adekunle was a founding employee at Bet9ja, where he drove the growth of retail networks and introduced top-tier virtual products, elevating them to become the country’s highest-grossing offerings. After five transformative years at Bet9ja, he went on to co-found BetKing in 2017, shaping it into one of Nigeria’s leading sports betting platforms.
Adeleye Awakan
Adeleye Awakan is an influential iGaming Consultant with over a decade of experience driving success in the African gambling industry. Adeleye is the go-to expert for companies looking to penetrate new markets. His strategic guidance has helped organisations successfully navigate market entry, establish startups, secure licensing, and modify platforms to suit the unique demands of the African market. Through thorough research and deep industry knowledge, he has facilitated numerous mergers, acquisitions, and partnerships that drive sustainable growth.
Adewale Akande, Esq
Adewale Akande, Esq. is a Senior Legal Adviser and Head of the Legal and Compliance Department at KC Gaming Networks Limited (Bet9ja). He is a certified and highly skilled legal practitioner with close to 15 years of experience spanning multiple dynamic industries, including gaming, real estate, hospitality, oil and gas, manufacturing, consulting, media, lottery, and sports betting. Known for his conscientious approach and dedication, he has built a reputation for combining strategic vision with technical expertise, allowing him to provide robust legal support that drives business growth and innovation.
Aggrey Sayi
Aggrey Sayi is the CEO of Maybets, one of Africa’s premier betting companies, where he leverages over a decade of experience in the gaming and betting industry. A seasoned business executive, Aggrey combines his passion for innovation with a commitment to excellence, inspiring his team to deliver world-class performance and an unmatched betting experience. His leadership is defined by a unique ability to motivate individuals and teams to reach their highest potential.
Anthony Leeming
Anthony Leeming, the CEO of Sun International, is a seasoned executive with over two decades of experience in the hotels, resorts, and gaming industries. Having joined Sun International in 1999 as Group Financial Manager, he has played an integral role in shaping the company’s financial and operational success.
Ayofemi Panshack Akinlaja
Ayofemi Panshack Akinlaja, Founder and CEO of Shacks Evolution Studios, is a seasoned professional in the iGaming and advertising operations industries. With a career spanning multiple disciplines, Ayofemi is renowned for his innovative approach to problem-solving and his commitment to driving forward-thinking solutions that redefine industry standards.
Bashir Are
Bashir Are is the CEO of the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority, where he has driven transformative changes since 2019, propelling the gaming regulatory industry in Lagos to new heights. With over 28 years of experience in both private and public sectors, he is recognised for his innovative, results-driven approach to leadership. His extensive background includes business process reengineering, project management, fintech, and international trade.
Christian Rajter and Per-Ivan Selinder
Christian Rajter and Per-Ivan Selinder, are the co-founders of Split The Pot, a Swedish games studio revolutionising online gaming with simple, fun, and intuitive mobile-first games. Designed to suit all players, their games are tailored for emerging markets, offering seamless performance on low-end devices and limited networks, specifically designed for markets such as Africa, where the duo have had unprecedented success.
Dean Finder
Dean Finder, CEO of Evolution Africa, has been a trailblazer in establishing and growing Evolution’s presence across the African continent since December 2019. Hailing from a family with deep roots in South Africa’s betting industry, Dean has drawn on decades of experience to lead Evolution’s expansion, bringing its premier live casino solutions to a rapidly evolving market.
Denis mudene Ngabirano
Denis mudene Ngabirano is the CEO of the Uganda National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board, where he has led transformative initiatives to promote fairness and accountability within the gaming industry. Under his leadership, the board has become a champion for responsible gaming and a balanced relationship between regulators and participants. His approach prioritises safety, ethical standards, and participant protection, making him a respected figure across East Africa’s gaming sector.
Desse Dejene
Desse Dejene serves as the Director of Ethiopia’s National Lottery Authority (NLA), where he oversees the country’s gaming regulatory framework. Under his leadership, the NLA focuses on fostering a responsible and competitive gaming environment while prioritising the well-being of Ethiopia’s large youth population.
Dr. Kobby Boateng
Dr. Kobby Boateng is the President of the Ghana Association of Sports Betting Operators (GHASBO) and a dynamic leader in the African gaming industry. Renowned for his relentless advocacy, Dr. Boateng has been instrumental in driving positive changes, including the reduction of license renewal fees for operators. He is passionately championing the fight for reduced gaming taxes, ensuring a more sustainable and equitable landscape for stakeholders.
Erick Mabuza
Erick Mabuza, a Harvard graduate and accomplished entrepreneur, is one of South Africa’s most respected businessmen. As the founder of ZAMANI MADODA HOLDINGS, the parent company of ITHUBA Holdings (PTY) LTD, South Africa’s National Lottery Operator, Erick has played a pivotal role in revolutionising the country’s gaming and lottery sectors.
Fisayo Oke
Fisayo Oke, a dynamic leader in the Nigerian gaming industry, is CEO of Gamble Alert. As the Head of Operations at the Oyo State Gaming Board, he spearheaded initiatives that have significantly impacted the sector. Under his leadership, the Board has hosted the largest gaming conference in Southwest Nigeria, strengthened interagency collaborations, and achieved over 30% monthly revenue growth. Fisayo is known for his ability to implement strategic policies that promote responsible gaming, enhance compliance standards, and improve tax administration – all of which contribute to sustainable growth within the region’s gaming industry.
Gali Hartuv
Gali Hartuv is the CEO of WarriorLab, an African based management consulting firm specialising in strategic services for the iGaming industry. With over 10 years of expertise, Gali has led high-impact customer operations, engagement programs, performance analytics, and bottom-line optimisation with a specialism in the VIP arena. Under his leadership, WarriorLab has established itself as a trusted advisor to some of the world’s top companies.
Garron Whitesman
Garron Whitesman is a distinguished attorney in both international and South African gaming and gambling law, widely regarded as the go-to lawyer for gaming operators, gambling companies, and regulators across the African continent. He has been ranked as a Global Market Leader in Gambling and Gaming by Chambers Global for 16 consecutive years, most recently in 2024; a testament to his dedication and expertise in the industry.
Geoffrey Muindi
Geoffrey Muindi, MCIM is the Lead Consultant at Sattam Solutions. He is a seasoned C-suite professional and entrepreneur with a distinguished track record in the iGaming industry. Known for his problem-solving abilities, Geoffrey combines visionary thinking with strategic implementation, delivering innovative solutions that boost customer acquisition, foster brand loyalty, and maximise customer retention. His unique expertise in building sustainable profitability has made him a trusted leader in driving business growth and customer-centric strategies.
Gossy Ukanwoke
Gossy Ukanwoke is the CEO of BetKing, Managing Director of KingMakers and Chairman at Vend Capital. He is a visionary entrepreneur, investor, and government advisor with a diverse portfolio spanning higher education, security, entertainment, and gaming. Renowned for his contributions to education technology, he founded Beni American University (BAU) and has invested in four universities across Nigeria and Ghana. Through BAU Executive Education, he has revolutionised access to university-level courses for students in sub-Saharan Africa via online and mobile platforms.
Jeremiah Maangi
Jeremiah Maangi, the Founder and CEO of iGaming AFRIKA, is a driving force in Africa’s Media Relations for the iGaming and Sports Betting industry. Known for his well thought out comprehension and commitment to advancing the sector, he founded iGaming AFRIKA in 2022 with a vision to redefine the African betting landscape. Under his leadership, iGaming AFRIKA has gained significant recognition, including the prestigious Elephant Award presented by Eventus International in March 2024 in Johannesburg and was previously nominated as Africa’s Most Promising Founder in 2021.
Job Weku
Job Weku, is a Business Development Manager at FAZI Company and has over 15 years of experience in the iGaming industry. He has built a remarkable career characterised by successful partnerships with industry leaders and deep expertise across sports betting products, casino operations, business development, marketing, and account management. His well-rounded experience spans both commercial and operational verticals, with a proven ability to excel in acquisition, retention, product management, and strategic growth.
John Erastus
John Erastus brings over a decade of experience in the tertiary education sector, having held roles such as Student Support Coordinator and Faculty Manager, where he oversaw academic and financial administration. His leadership journey expanded into the gaming sector, serving as a Board Member of the Gambling Board of Namibia for three years before being appointed Acting CEO.
Lanre Gbajabiamila
Lanre Gbajabiamila is a seasoned leader in Nigeria’s gaming industry, with extensive experience both in Nigeria and the USA. He began his career with Derivion/Metavante Corporation in 1997 and held senior consulting roles with Fortune 500 companies before returning to Nigeria in 2004 as Senior IT Manager of Software Quality Assurance for the National Sports Lottery (NSL). At NSL, Lanre pioneered the Essnet Lottery Operating System (ELOS), managing over 5 million lottery transactions weekly—a pivotal achievement in Nigeria’s gaming sector.
Laurence Michel
Laurence Michel, the influential CEO Africa of Betway Group has been a trailblazer in the iGaming industry for over two decades. Since taking the reins at Osiris Trading in 2001, and more recently #BetwayAfrica, Laurence has transformed the company into one of Africa’s largest employers in the online gaming sector, helping to establish Betway as a globally celebrated sportsbook, but with deep roots in Africa. Under his leadership, Betway Africa has become synonymous with excellence and innovation, driving forward the African sports betting landscape with remarkable success.
Larry Galansky and Alan Trope
Larry Galansky, the iGaming entrepreneur, and Alan Trope, the master of orchestration, the founders of innovative game studio – Ready Play Gaming. This dynamic duo combines visionary creativity with strong business acumen, forging a path toward global success and excellence in the gaming world.
Lombo Mphande
Lombo Mphande, founder of Bet Chats SA, has been involved in the gambling, betting, and gaming industry for over 5 years at an executive level, working across South Africa and neighbouring SADC countries. His deep understanding of relationship-building, market investigation, and prospecting within the SADC region has provided him with invaluable insights into industry value chains, including regulations, customer experience, route-to-market strategies, and product sourcing.
Mark Schmidt
Mark Schmidt is the Head of Sales – Africa at EveryMatrix. With over 15 years of experience in the sports betting and gaming industry, Mark is a seasoned expert in driving business growth across the African continent. He continues to lead the charge in expanding innovative solutions for operators in one of the world’s fastest-growing gaming markets.
Read Also: Announcing 2024’s Top 50 Most Inluential Women in Gaming, Africa
Martin Moshal
Martin Moshal, born in Durban, South Africa, is a trailblazer in the online casino industry and the visionary behind Microgaming, now Apricot, the company credited with creating the world’s first online casino software in 1994. Known as “The Microgaming Man,” Martin’s innovations revolutionised online gambling, with games like Cash Splash pioneering progressive jackpots and setting industry standards.
Martin Sack
Martin Sack is a seasoned executive with over 25 years of senior management experience in the online gaming industry. His expertise span online casino, sports betting, and online poker, where he has demonstrated a strong track record of driving business growth and optimising operations across various global platforms.
Moshe and Ashley Adir
Moshe and Ashley Adir, founders of Vegas Kings, have been pioneers in the iGaming industry since the early days of online gaming. In 1998, they established Vegas Kings, the first agency dedicated exclusively to iGaming website design and development, and have since positioned it as a global leader in the field.
Owen Heffer and Suren Rampersadh
Owen Heffer and Suren Rampersadh, are the driving forces behind Hollywoodbets, a brand that is proudly South African and committed to investing in the country’s future. Through their leadership, this brand has become synonymous with excellence and innovation. Together, they have redefined the gaming industry in South Africa while making significant contributions to the country’s economy, sports development, and community development.
Peter Emolemo Kesitilwe
Peter Emolemo Kesitilwe is the Chief Executive Officer of Gambling Authority – Botswana, a state-owned entity responsible for overseeing all gambling activities under the Gambling Act of 2012. In his role as CEO, Peter provides strategic leadership aimed at fostering Botswana’s economic growth through a targeted approach within the gambling sector. This approach aligns with the Botswana Gambling Authority’s objectives and the nation’s broader priorities and policies. He is dedicated to enhancing stakeholder engagement, driving effective strategy execution, and ensuring the organisation’s performance remains at its peak.
Peter Mireku
Peter Mireku, the Commissioner of the Gaming Commission of Ghana, is a prominent figure in the African gaming industry, known for his forward-thinking approach and dedication to sustainable gaming practices. Based in Accra, Peter brings a wealth of experience from his previous roles, including his time at Zinc Industrial Limited, and a diverse skill set that spans project management, marketing strategy, public speaking, and strategic planning.
Pierre Otto
Pierre Otto is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in the gaming and technology sectors, currently serving as General Manager, South Africa at Gaming Laboratories International, LLC (GLI). Since joining GLI in 2017, Pierre has held key roles, including Senior Engineering Manager, Technical Group Manager, and Compliance and Quality Manager, showcasing his deep expertise in engineering, compliance, and operations within the gaming industry.
Quraish Behari
Quraish Behari is the CEO of Derivco, a global leader in online gaming software development, founded in Durban, South Africa in the 1990s, with the HQ still firmly on South African soil. With over 20 years of experience in the IT sector, Quraish joined Derivco in 2004 as a Senior Software Developer and quickly rose through the ranks, holding roles such as Software Architect and senior leadership positions before being appointed CEO in 2018.
Rami Abi Ramia
Rami Abi Ramia is a seasoned operations leader with over seven years of experience in the African gaming and entertainment landscape. Currently serving as the Vice President of Operations for Africa at ARRISE, which powers Pragmatic Play, Rami is dedicated to expanding and optimising operations across the continent.
Robin Bennett
Robin Bennett is the Head of the Regulatory Compliance Department at the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board (WCGRB), where he has dedicated over two decades to shaping the regulatory landscape of South Africa’s gambling industry. Starting with WCGRB in 1997 as a Financial Investigator, he has held various positions, including Chief Financial Investigator, HOD of Gambling Compliance, and now, Head of Regulatory Compliance. His extensive tenure with the board showcases his commitment to maintaining high regulatory standards and his deep expertise across compliance, licensing, operations management, and enforcement.
Ronald Karauri
Ronald Karauri is the CEO of SportPesa, a leading global gaming brand renowned for its innovation and community involvement across three continents. Under his leadership, SportPesa has expanded operations into six countries, with plans for further growth. The company is committed to using the power of sports to connect people, fund clubs, and create opportunities, with a particular focus on sustainable growth in Kenyan sports.
Roy Bannister
Roy Bannister is a media professional and industry consultant with extensive expertise across media production, editorial planning, business development, and corporate strategy. His diverse career spans industries such as news, politics, gaming, hospitality, artificial intelligence, technology, and public relations.
Rupen Samani
Rupen Samani is a distinguished entrepreneur and executive with a proven track record in leadership across multiple industries. He is currently an Executive Board Member at Betika, one of Africa’s leading sports betting platforms, and the Founder and CEO of Viva Global Ltd, a company specialising in importing and distributing beverages in Kenya.
Samuel Rowland
Samuel Rowland, COO of the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority (LSLGA), is dedicated to shaping and advancing Nigeria’s gaming industry through strategic leadership and innovative approaches. With a robust background in regulatory compliance and operational management, Samuel brings invaluable expertise to his role, guiding the evolution of gaming policies that align with the dynamic demands of the Nigerian market.
Simon Munsamy
Simon Munsamy is newly appointed as Managing Director for Africa at Playtech, where he is spearheading the company’s growth and expansion across the continent. Notable roles before this include Commercial Director for Evolution Africa, Sales Manager for MENA with IMG ARENA & Head of Product for Hollywoodbets. With a strong focus on building and strengthening partnerships, Simon is dedicated to establishing Playtech as a key player in various African jurisdictions. His leadership highlights the company’s commitment to delivering innovative and locally tailored gaming experiences to the African market.
Sol Kerzner
Sol Kerzner (the late), a true Legacy Legend. Posthumously recognised for his unparalleled contributions to the land-based casino industry, Kerzner’s visionary leadership and iconic developments, forever transformed the gaming and hospitality landscape in Africa and beyond. He is a legendary hotelier and founder of Southern Sun, Sun International, and Kerzner International; Kerzner rose from humble beginnings to redefine the global hospitality industry, creating some of the world’s most iconic resorts.
Solomon Godwin
Solomon Godwin is a dynamic iGaming professional with nearly two decades of experience driving growth and innovation in the African gaming industry. As Head, Africa for Booming Games, Solomon is responsible for growing the company’s partner network and reputation across key African markets, helping operators diversify their offerings with cutting-edge content.
Steven Spartinos & Jason Pretorius
Steven Spartinos & Jason Pretorius are the Co-Founders & Co-CEOs of Kiron Interactive. Visionaries at the forefront of gaming innovation, Steven Spartinos and Jason Pretorius co-founded Kiron Interactive, transforming it into a global leader in virtual gaming and betting solutions. With complementary expertise and a shared commitment to excellence, the duo has driven Kiron’s rise over two decades, earning the trust of operators in over 60 countries.
Tumaini Maligana
Tumaini Maligana is the Country Manager at Neo Group. He has over 8 years of experience in the Gaming & Entertainment industry and has honed his expertise across Live Casinos, Slot Shops, and Sports Betting. A graduate in Computer Sciences, Tumaini combines his technical knowledge with a strategic mindset to drive business growth and operational excellence.
Tyrone Dobbin and Cuan Chelin
Tyrone Dobbin and Cuan Chelin, are co-founders of Sportingbet South Africa whose combined efforts have left an indelible mark on the gaming landscape. Their partnership is a testament to the power of collaboration in achieving lasting change and growth. We couldn’t pick one without the other, so we present this dynamic duo!
Vusi Mtsweni
Vusi Mtsweni is the CEO of the Mpumalanga Economic Regulator, bringing extensive expertise in operations strategy, compliance, and governance to the gambling and casinos industry. With a solid background in e-commerce, marketing, and business strategy, Vusi has proven himself as a versatile leader adept at driving organisational success through strategic oversight and innovation. His comprehensive skill set encompasses leadership, business management, and compliance, making him a well-rounded professional dedicated to fostering a compliant and sustainable gaming environment.
Warren Tannous
Warren Tannous, CEO of World Sports Betting (WSB), is a respected leader with over 20 years in the industry, known for his innovative approach and commitment to growth. His strategic vision and leadership have been instrumental in driving the company’s growth and delivering exceptional services to customers. Under his guidance, World Sports Betting has built a reputation for excellence, supported by a dedicated team of directors, traders, administrators, and managers who work to ensure seamless operations and sustained success.
Wayne Lurie
Wayne Lurie, is a highly accomplished attorney specialising in Gambling and Betting law, with a robust background in commercial, technology, and administrative law. As the founder of one of South Africa’s oldest niche gambling law firms, Wayne has over two decades of experience navigating the complexities of the gambling sector, both terrestrial and online, in South Africa and on the global stage.
William Scott
William Scott has over 20 years of international experience in the regulated gaming industry, specialising in lottery and online gaming. His extensive career spans strategic leadership, business development, corporate finance, and commercial operations, making him a recognised expert in the global gaming sector. Currently, he serves as a Non-Executive Director at ITHUBA Holdings (PTY) LTD, Africa’s largest privately-owned lottery operator.
Yahaya Maikori
Yahaya Maikori is a seasoned solicitor and a key figure in Africa’s gaming, tech, and entertainment industries. As the Principal Partner of Law Allianz, a firm he founded in 2008, Yahaya provides expert legal services in transactions, licensing, regulatory compliance, and corporate governance. With a law degree from Obafemi Awolowo University and membership in the Nigerian Bar Association and the Law Society of England and Wales, he brings over two decades of expertise.
