SiGMA Africa 2024, Cape Town, South Africa

SiGMA Africa is an iGaming industry hub where industry experts meet to discuss such matters as responsible gambling, regulation, technology and innovation, and marketing. This three-day event presents networking, panel discussion, workshops, and awards opportunities to drive the growth of iGaming in the continent.

After the remarkable success of the inaugural SiGMA Africa in Nairobi, Kenya, in January 2023, the 2024 edition was held from Match 11 to 14 in Cape Town, South Africa.

SiGMA Africa 2024 attracted over 2,500 delegates and 150 speakers who converged to explore the dynamic online gambling landscape in Africa. The attendees, who included industry leaders, visionaries, and innovators, exchanged ideas on technology, affiliate marketing, payment solutions, and regulation and how they are shaping the future of mobile gaming and sports betting.

If you missed the SiGMA Africa 2024, here are the key talking points from the event.

Sigma Africa 2024 – A Festival that Combines Conference, Culture, and Charity

Sigma Africa 2024 is a festival that combines conference, culture, and charity, where 47% of attendees are decision-makers. The event welcomes iGaming industry experts such as operators, software providers, affiliates, and other iGaming enthusiasts to debate on industry-specific topics such as iGaming, sportsbooks, esports, and much more.

During the 3 day-long conferences, networking parties, and exhibitions, the participants will run discussions on industry trends, challenges, and opportunities, including those emerging from the Industrial Revolution 4.0.

Despite the technical concerns, the occasion suggests the ideal balance of work and play. Participants have the chance to interact with key players in the gaming sector, including legislators, influencers, and government representatives. Showcasing advanced products is the well-curated expo floor, and there are plenty of networking opportunities for attendees to strike up agreements with affiliates, famous investors, and entrepreneurs.

Key Talking Points from the SiGMA Africa 2024

As a key online gambling conference in Africa, SiGMA Africa 2024 had many invaluable insights about the emerging market in the continent. Here are some of the key talking points from the event.

Forecasting Payment Trends in Gaming

Vasily Raku, Unipesa’s Chief Commercial Officer, noted that many gaming brands were entering the African market. Together with the growing penetration of the Internet, the payment infrastructure in the region was set for a change, further contributing to the development of fintech as a whole.

Raku also warned that sub-standard payment providers were already finding their way into the African online gambling landscape. To avoid the setbacks this could cause, Raku asked operators to choose providers that offer quality financial services. This would ensure they achieve financial health and security, comply with any data and privacy policy, and meet customer expectations.

Africa is a New Hub for Gaming Services

Another keynote from Raku was that Africa is an emerging market for gaming service operators. He noted that events like SiGMA Africa were at the forefront of bringing together industry experts and business brands for potential investment opportunities.

While Africa is a promising market, there are some entry constraints. These constraints include unclear regulations, which vary depending on the region, limited payment infrastructure, and player behavior.

Raku pointed out that countries like Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa have made significant steps in payment infrastructure. It is also easier to predict player behavior in these regions, making them a hotspot for global operators.

Panel Discussions at the SiGMA Africa 2024

During the three-day event, there were numerous panel discussions on different topics surrounding the online casino and sports betting industry. Here are some of the key topics highlighted during these expert debates:

• Gaming in Africa: Navigating size, potential, and the strategic landscape for new entrants and investors (Moderated by Solomon Godwin, Head, Africa at Booming Games).
• Leveling up in Africa: Crafting winning strategies for game development and marketing in the dynamic iGaming landscape (Moderated by Sergey Sheykhetov, General Director at Afrikaresearch).
• Artificial Intelligence mastery in marketing. The panel discussed how AI is reshaping digital marketing and the innovative approaches in the dynamic intelligent advertising
• Unlocking the potential of South Africa’s Internet sports scene and affiliate marketing opportunities. Sasha Boerma, Head of affiliates at Coastline Gaming, led discussions on the untapped opportunities in internet trends and sports affiliate marketing
• The impact of Kenya’s new payout taxes on the online gambling industry. The panel discussed the tax changes and their impact on the country, regional repercussions, and how to navigate online gaming based on these regulatory changes
• Ensuring trust and innovation: Central bank’s focus on digital payment regulations. The panel focused on new norms that African countries can leverage to ensure data and information privacy, such as biometrics, QR codes, and contactless payments.
• Strategic insights and innovation in Francophone Africa’s gaming sector. The panel uncovered factors that are shaping gaming in the region, such as market development, regulatory requirements, and the latest online and mobile sports betting innovations

SiGMA Africa 2024 Awards

The SiGMA Africa 2024 Awards were sponsored by BetConstruct. The event was held at the close of the first day of SiGMA Africa in Cape Town. The awards honor the true pioneers of iGaming in Africa, with proceeds from the event channeled to the SiGMA Foundation.

The event honored 23 winners in different categories, which include:

• Best Game Provider 2024: Aviatrix
• Best Affiliate Program 2024: Melbet Affiliates
• Best on Mobile 2024: BC.GAME
• Responsible Gaming 2024: SOFTSWISS
• Best Crash Game 2024: JetX by SmartSoft
• Best Casino Operator 2024: 1WIN
• Best Online Sportsbooks Provider: BetConstruct
• Industry Rising Star 2024: BETCORE
• Best Metaverse Project 2024: The Space Mall
• Best Slot Game Provider 2024: Mancala Gaming
• Best Integrated Resort 2024: Sun City Resort
• Best Casino Provider 2024: Pragmatic Play
• Best Marketing Campaign 2024: Fast Track Pathway
• Emerging Markets Payment Solution 2024: PayBrokers
• Best Platform 2024: Digitain
• Most Played Game 2024: 20 Golden Coins by Amusnet
• Best Sportsbook Media: Flashscore
• Best Crypto Casino 2024: Playfina
• Best Workplace 2024: Altenar
• Best KYC Solution 2024: Sumsub
• Best eSports Provider 2024: GlobalBet
• Outstanding Contribution to Responsible Gaming of the Year: Euro Games Technology Ltd
• Best Online Payment Services 2024: Payler
• Best Sportsbook Operator 2024: 1xBet

Conclusion

SiGMA Africa is among the leading events in the eSports, online casino, and sports betting industry in Africa. SiGMA Africa 2024 was held in Cape Town, South Africa, from March 11 to 14. It brought together industry experts, professionals, and enthusiasts from every corner of the world, showcasing the latest trends, innovations, and developments in the African gaming market.

SiGMA Africa 2024:

• Date: 11th – 14th March, 2024
• Location: Cape Town, South Africa
• Book your ticket: SiGMA Africa 2024