The Rise of Esports and iGaming in Africa: Insights from SBEA+ 2024
Kampala, Uganda—The Sports Betting East Africa+ (SBEA+) 2024 conference emerged as a critical touchpoint for industry experts and enthusiasts to delve into the burgeoning sectors of esports and iGaming. Alvin Joseph, Business Affairs, Business Development at Dice on News, initiated the discussion on Esports with an insightful presentation on the topic.
With a projected market growth that soared from $1.1 billion in 2019 to an impressive $2.4 billion in 2023, the discussions at SBEA+ highlighted the unique characteristics of esports compared to traditional gaming. Esports refers to organized multiplayer video game competitions, while iGaming encompasses a broader array of online gaming activities, including casino games.
Several speakers weighed in on the evolving landscape of esports in Africa, revealing both opportunities and challenges. Faith Dorothy Ahurira, Women in Games Ambassador, Uganda remarked, “It is mistaken for betting. Most older generations do not comprehend what esports is about, which hinders its growth.” This perception illustrates a broader challenge in promoting esports, particularly in regions where traditional forms of gambling overshadow emerging digital competition formats.
Infrastructure also arose as a vital concern during the discussions. As noted by a contributing speaker from the audience, “There was a challenge of poor devices used by gamers. Suggesting that quality game-play is compromised due to inferior hardware places blame incorrectly on gaming servers and connectivity.” This reflects a pressing need for better resources for aspiring players to foster their skills in a competitive digital arena.
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The discussions also spanned the development of esports leagues and competitions. “You have to develop competitions where players come and compete in various games like Call of Duty and FIFA,” said Thomas Buckley Opar Owuor, Independent Platform Consultant. “Sportsbooks can leverage these results to create odds and engage with customers effectively.” This observation highlights the synergy between esports competitions and economic opportunities within the gambling sector, creating a win-win situation for both players and operators.
Furthermore, Dorothy presented an innovative idea: “If you took the Champions League model and applied it to esports, the impact could surpass even that of traditional sports leagues.” This vision symbolizes the untapped potential within the continent, promoting competitive frameworks that could be both lucrative and engaging for gamers and spectators alike.
The importance of data analytics was also underscored. “Brands need to prioritize data analytics that translate into actionable insights,” emphasized Tumaini Maligana, Country Manager, Alpha Digital Systems Ltd. “By understanding the types of data collected and their purposes, operators can make informed decisions that boost esports engagement.” This insight speaks to the growing need for companies in the sector to adopt data-driven strategies that improve customer experiences and operational efficiency.
While optimism surrounded the future of esports in Africa, the sentiment that more robust strategies are needed echoed throughout the conference. “I’m yet to see a studio that has African roadmaps,” highlighted Solomon Godwin, Head Africa at Booming Games. “Our market isn’t mature enough to support studios dedicated specifically to our demographic.” This realization underscores the necessity for localized initiatives that resonate with African gamers, fostering growth and nurturing talent in an industry ripe with potential. Esports iGaming Africa
The multiplicity of insights derived from SBEA+ 2024 showcases an industry at a pivotal moment. As esports continues to carve its niche alongside traditional iGaming, collective efforts toward understanding, infrastructure, and local engagement may well define Africa’s role in the global esports narrative.
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