The SBC Digital Summit Africa virtual conference and exhibition is set to provide the most comprehensive analysis yet seen of the long-term opportunities for the betting and gaming industry in Africa’s varied and fast-changing markets.
The event, which takes place on 6 -7 October 2020, features more than 60 expert speakers, including senior executives from betting operators in African markets, regulators, marketing specialists, and leading industry suppliers.
Between them, they have unrivalled knowledge of what it takes to launch and run successful gambling businesses in African nations.
Pre-COVID, Africa could boast some of the world’s fastest-growing economies, as a combination of more stable political conditions and the rapid spread of technology helped to create a growing middle class with disposable income.
While overall economic progress in many African nations has been badly hit by the pandemic, the conditions remain promising for betting operators searching for new opportunities.
Smartphone ownership is still growing quickly, Sub-Saharan Africa is already the world’s biggest market for mobile money transactions, and broadcasters such as Supersport and Canal+ Afrique have made international sporting events more accessible than ever before to
a youthful population looking for entertainment.
Furthermore, countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, Tanzania and South Africa have established regulated markets where it is possible for online Sports betting operators to obtain a license.
Gambling is also legal in many other African nations, although their regulatory regimes do not yet encompass online. In short, there is already an audience for sports betting in large parts of the continent.
SBC Digital Summit Africa will explore the current and future opportunities presented by these conditions:
The event will see industry experts provide in-depth analysis of key issues such as which markets have the biggest growth potential, the nations that are the most receptive to international operators, which sports are likely to be popular with local punters, and what the future holds for Africa’s retail bookmakers.
Day one of the digital conference will open with an exclusive interview with former Nigeria striker and Interwetten brand ambassador Yakubu, before providing a region-by-region breakdown of the prospects for Africa’s regulated markets.
The first day’s agenda has an East Africa session, with Bulent Boytorun (COO, BetLion) among the senior executives ready to offer on-the-ground perspectives of the latest developments and opportunities.
Attention then turns to West Africa for a panel featuring Adekunle Adeniji (Managing Director, betBonanza), Akin Alabi (Founder, NairaBET),
Ibukun Okeowo (CEO, Gibet) and Dolan Beuthin (CEO, Betmonsta), will deliver a deep dive into regulatory and market conditions.
Delegates can also expect a detailed exploration of the future of South Africa’s established regulated market, followed by sessions looking at the prospects for lotteries and online casinos across the continent.
The crucial issue of how operators entering markets in Africa can cope with the very different payments infrastructure will also be put under the spotlight, with Mark Tipping (CEO, Gaming4Africa) set to share his experience of launching businesses in the region.
Day two will focus on how to approach some of the technical and compliance challenges related to running a betting or gaming operation in different African nations.
There will also be an evaluation of how technology is helping to change the profile of the African sports fan,
along with assessments of which sports and leagues are most important for success in the continent’s varied betting markets.
Ahead of SBC’s first event fully dedicated to the African industry, CEO Rasmus Sojmark said:
“With a growing sports-mad population, ever-improving access to a smartphone and mobile money technology, and relatively low barriers to entry compared with other emerging markets, Africa represents a highly attractive opportunity for betting and gaming operators.
“However, information about the exact nature of that opportunity and the strategies required to make the most of it is in short supply.
That will change at SBC Digital Summit Africa, as we have compiled a speaker list packed with executives and consultants with hands-on experience of launching and successfully running gambling businesses in a wide variety of African markets, all ready to share valuable information and practical insights about what they have learned.”
In addition to the conference, the event will also feature an interactive product display area with leading suppliers showcasing innovations tailored for local markets, together with a program of networking roundtables to make it easy for delegates to connect and talk
business with other decision-makers in the market.