Sports

How iGaming Can Thrive in Africa’s Emerging Markets

Published

1 year ago

15/09/2024

As Africa’s digital landscape continues to evolve, the iGaming sector stands at the forefront of this transformation, poised to tap into the continent’s untapped regions.

However, navigating this complex terrain requires a keen understanding of local markets, strategic partnerships, and adaptable technological solutions.

Norman Ondego, Lead Consultant at Solpro Consulting and Business Development and Partnership Manager at Convex Technologies shares his expertise on how to successfully expand iGaming into these emerging regions with SportsBoom.

Identifying Untapped Regions: A Strategic Approach

For Norman Ondego, the journey of identifying untapped regions with potential for iGaming expansion begins with a clear understanding of the strategic direction and market demand. “Is there a demand for the service or product? Or is it a case of demand meeting a solution or a solution creating the demand?” he asks. This foundational question helps determine the viability of entering a new market.

Beyond demand, Norman emphasizes the importance of evaluating the supporting ecosystem. “In the iGaming industry, key factors to consider include payment infrastructure, connectivity, and regulatory frameworks. These elements will ultimately dictate the type of solution you offer,” he explains. Additionally, factors such as culture, stability, economic empowerment, accessibility, saturation, and competitive landscape play crucial roles in the decision-making process.

Digital Transformation in Regions with Limited ICT Infrastructure

Digital transformation in regions with limited ICT infrastructure presents both challenges and opportunities. Norman’s approach varies depending on the market entry strategy. “If you’re a new player, you have the advantage of trying something new and potentially gaining a first-mover advantage,” he says. This approach allows for the introduction of solutions that are both easy to use and affordable, providing flexibility to adapt as the market evolves.

For established players entering as alternatives, Norman acknowledges the resistance to change that often accompanies new solutions.

“Your solution must not represent a significant shift from what users are accustomed to. Instead, it should gradually wean them away through convenience, efficiency, and where possible, competitive pricing,” he advises betting news site SportsBoom.com. An example of this strategy is transitioning customers from retail gaming shops to online platforms by initially offering online stations within the retail environment.

The Role of Local Partnerships

Local partnerships are critical when entering new and untapped regions. “Local players hold the key currency of trust and time, which are invaluable to new entrants,” Norman asserts. These partnerships help navigate the cultural and regulatory nuances of the market, providing insights that desktop research cannot reveal. “Local partners understand market dynamics, payment preferences, and user behaviours, making the journey significantly shorter and more successful,” he adds.

Navigating Regulatory Complexities

Regulatory complexities in untapped regions can pose significant challenges, especially in markets where iGaming is still in its early stages. Norman emphasizes the importance of prior research and collaboration with local stakeholders.

“The easiest way to navigate regulation and legal frameworks is not to reinvent the wheel unless you’re introducing a breakthrough innovation,” he advises. Instead, aligning with existing regulations and working closely with local experts can prevent potential pitfalls.

Leveraging Mobile Technology for iGaming Growth

In underdeveloped regions, mobile technology serves as a gateway to online services, including iGaming. Norman highlights the versatility of mobile devices in these markets: “The mobile phone is your access device, your news screen, your payment platform, your communication, and your entertainment unit. It’s in almost every hand,” he notes. By offering mobile-accessible solutions, companies can effectively address advertising, payment processing, and distribution challenges in these regions.

Enhancing Digital Literacy for iGaming Adoption

Digital literacy is essential for the widespread adoption of iGaming, yet it remains a challenge in many untapped regions. Norman points out that iGaming’s potential is often hindered by its perception as a vice. “If regulators and governments recognized the industry’s potential, they would involve stakeholders in programs that promote digital literacy,” he argues. He believes that integrating iGaming into digital literacy initiatives could create a symbiotic relationship where people pay to play and learn simultaneously.

Ensuring that infrastructure and solutions are both sustainable and scalable is also crucial as markets grow. Norman advocates for a modular and flexible approach: “Being modular and flexible in your approach is key. Entry into any region must follow strategic planning, including the dimensioning of the solution,” he advises. Localization, coupled with an understanding of global standards and regulatory frameworks, is essential for creating robust solutions that can scale with market growth.

Aligning Customer Experience with Local Expectations

When entering new markets, aligning the customer experience with local expectations is vital. Norman emphasizes the importance of research and data-driven decision-making, as well as the role of local partnerships. “One-size-fits-all solutions may be cheap to deploy, but they don’t always work,” he warns. Instead, he advocates for modular solutions that allow for customization without compromising the overall integrity of the product.

Looking ahead, Norman sees vast potential in Africa’s untapped regions, not just in terms of market penetration, but in the development of localized, workable solutions. “A lot of capital flight has occurred because solutions have not been localized,” he observes. By focusing on creating solutions tailored to the unique needs of each region, Norman believes that the iGaming sector can unlock significant opportunities across the continent.

In conclusion, Norman Ondego’s insights provide a roadmap for successfully navigating the complexities of expanding iGaming into untapped regions. From strategic market entry and local partnerships to leveraging mobile technology and enhancing digital literacy, his approach underscores the importance of understanding and adapting to the unique dynamics of each market. As Africa’s digital landscape continues to evolve, these strategies will be crucial in unlocking the full potential of the iGaming sector across the continent.

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AFCON 2025: Eric Chelle Lists Five New Players as Nigeria Aims Fourth Title

Published

1 day ago

13/12/2025

Adedapo Adesanya

By Adedapo Adesanya

The coach of Nigeria’s Super Eagles, Mr Eric Chelle, named five uncapped players in a 28-man squad for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) set to start in Morocco on December 21.

Two former African Footballer of the Year winners, Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen, will be looking to change the country’s fortune and win the trophy that slipped the grasp of the Super Eagles earlier this year in Cote D’ Ivoire.

While some expected names made the list, a few others were absent, including strikers Victor Boniface and Tolu Arokodare, who were not picked. Centre-back Benjamin Fredericks and fullback Ola Aina, are injured while captain William Troost-Ekong announced his retirement from international football after last month’s World Cup playoffs.

However, uncapped right back Ryan Alebiosu, midfielders Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Tochukwu Nnadi and Usman Muhammed and striker Salim Fago Lawal were included.

The Super Eagles open their Group C campaign on December 23 against Tanzania in Fes, then face Tunisia four days later and Uganda on December 30.

The Super Eagles went all the way to the final of the last AFCON before losing 1-2 to the host, Cote d’Ivoire, in 2024. They now will be aiming to go one step better in the next tournament where they will be going for their fourth crown.

Mr Chelle will be aiming to join Mr Otto Gloria (1980), Mr Clemens Westerhof (1994) and the late Stephen Keshi (2013), in the league of coaches to win the AFCON trophy for Nigeria.

The host nation Morocco will lead Group A alongside Mali, Zambia, and Comoros.

The Group B is also packed with heavyweights consisting of Egypt, South Africa, Angola and Zimbabwe who will have a lot to prove in the group.

In Group D, 2021 champions Senegal will battle it out with DR Congo, Benin, and Botswana, while Group E sees Algeria drawn against Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, and Sudan.

Squad

Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United), Amas Obasogie (Singida Black Stars), Francis Uzoho (Omonia Nicosia)

Defenders: Ryan Alebiosu (Blackburn Rovers), Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes), Semi Ajayi (Hull City), Calvin Bassey (Fulham), Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague), Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos), Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City), Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto)

Midfielders: Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Pisa), Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio), Alex Iwobi (Fulham), Usman Muhammed (Ironi Tiberias), Wilfred Ndidi (Beşiktaş), Tochukwu Nnadi (Zulte Waregem), Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge), Frank Onyeka (Brentford)

Forwards: Akor Adams (Sevilla, Spain), Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham), Cyriel Dessers (Panathinaikos), Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla), Salim Fago Lawal (Istra 1961), Ademola Lookman (Atalanta), Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor), Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray), Moses Simon (Paris FC).

Sports

GameZone Online Arcade Signals a New Direction for Digital Play

Published

4 days ago

10/12/2025

Dipo Olowookere

The GameZone Online Arcade now shapes a clear path for modern digital entertainment because many Filipino players see it as a reliable space for relaxed sessions. The section continues to attract users who want simple play that fits their daily routines without forcing them into high-pressure environments. This shift reveals something important about the evolving culture around GameZone. It shows that players want stability more than spectacle and structure more than noise. The Online Arcade answers this need with a design that respects time, mood, and attention. It also reflects the broader movement toward digital spaces that understand the rhythm of local gaming habits.

The Growing Importance of Calm Play in a Fast Digital World

Online gaming once grew through heavy visuals and fast competition, yet the rising influence of the GameZone Online Arcade shows a noticeable change in user priorities. Players today want comfort after long hours of work and constant digital noise. The Online Arcade provides that comfort through games built with clean mechanics and simple structures. This shift deserves attention because it shows how modern players choose their entertainment.

Many players now favor short sessions that give them room to breathe. The Online Arcade supports this pattern through titles that welcome users at any time of the day. The section does not compete for long hours. It respects short breaks. This approach creates a meaningful bond between players and the platform because it supports real life instead of escaping from it.

The clean interface strengthens this trend. The layout removes confusion and gives players immediate clarity. The predictable format lets new users understand each game without anxiety. Returning users feel grounded because the experience never drifts from the calm structure they trust. This steady design gives the Online Arcade a cultural presence inside the GameZone community.

The appeal of calm digital play cannot be ignored. It reflects the pressure of modern life and the need for balanced entertainment that does not add stress. The Online Arcade has become that space, and its popularity shows how players redefine their expectations with each passing month.

game zone online arcade

Why the Online Arcade Matters in the GameZone Identity

The Online Arcade now stays at the center of GameZone culture because it represents the values many players care about. It provides accessible entertainment without forcing users through complicated choices. It offers short gameplay that aligns with modern schedules. It stands as a reminder that online gaming does not have to be intense to be meaningful.

In many online groups, GameZone players often share their favorite Online Arcade titles because they are easy to describe and easier to recommend. The simplicity of the games creates shared language within these communities. People do not need special knowledge to discuss the experience. This connection builds unity in the fragmented world of digital entertainment.

The structure of the section reinforces the GameZone identity. The stable performance across devices allows players to shift between screens without losing rhythm. This reliability strengthens trust in the platform because many Filipino users rely on their phones for daily play. They need an experience that remains steady even as they move through different environments.

The Online Arcade also helps players navigate new titles without pressure. The gradual learning curve supports the idea that digital play should remain friendly, especially for people who do not have time for deep gaming sessions. This atmosphere helps GameZone welcome new users every day because the entry point remains simple and welcoming.

The growth of the Online Arcade shows that simplicity is not a weakness. It is a feature that resonates with the needs of the modern player. This section stays relevant because it understands that entertainment must adapt to real life, not escape from it.

The Balance Between Engagement and Ease in Daily GameZone Use

Many players form daily routines inside the Online Arcade because the section creates a stable pathway through the platform. The games require only a few minutes, yet those minutes create a sense of connection. This rhythm supports the changing needs of players who seek breaks instead of marathons. It also allows the Online Arcade to remain part of everyday life.

The visual consistency strengthens this daily habit because players do not need to adjust to new designs every time they enter a game. The layout remains clear, which encourages people to experiment with different titles without feeling lost. This consistency shows that GameZone understands how users interact with digital spaces.

Some players shift between Online Arcade titles and the casino content of GameZone. They do this because the platform gives them choices that match their energy for the day. When they want a focused session, they visit the casino features. When they want a calm moment, they return to the Online Arcade. This flexibility has become an important trait of GameZone’s identity.

The stable performance across devices also supports daily use. Many players move through varied environments, from commutes to workspaces to homes. They expect their games to function without issues. GameZone meets this expectation with a design that keeps the Online Arcade responsive at all times.

The daily presence of the Online Arcade in the lives of many Filipino players shows that digital habits are shaped by comfort and consistency. People want reliable entertainment that welcomes them without demand. The section delivers that, and its growth reflects this truth.

Why Online Arcade Engagement Continues to Rise

The steady rise of Online Arcade engagement reveals an important shift in the way digital communities evolve. Many platforms chase complexity, but GameZone shows that clarity and accessibility hold lasting value. The Online Arcade remains relevant because it continues to offer simple play that respects the user’s time.

Returning users rely on the familiar mechanics that do not overwhelm. They can repeat the same patterns without facing steep difficulty. This predictability builds confidence, which is crucial for long-term engagement. New users also find comfort in the same features because they can join without needing to learn unfamiliar controls.

The Online Arcade stands apart from other sections because it does not demand perfect focus. It encourages relaxed play that invites players of all ages. This openness keeps the section ahead of many digital competitors that place heavy emphasis on intense mechanics. The Online Arcade proves that inviting design matters just as much as performance.

Sports

Real Madrid vs Man City, Inter vs Liverpool Headline UCL Line-Up Live on SuperSport

Published

5 days ago

09/12/2025

Business Post Contributor

The UEFA Champions League reaches a decisive point as Matchday 6 delivers high-stakes fixtures across Europe. All matches will be broadcast live on SuperSport on DStv and GOtv. Real Madrid host Manchester City in the round’s biggest clash, while Inter Milan face Liverpool in a meeting of two sides desperate for a statement win.

Tuesday: Inter Host Liverpool in a Heavyweight Clash

The evening begins in Munich where Bayern, now third in the standings, welcome Sporting Lisbon at 6:45 p.m. The match will be live on SS Football Plus HD (DStv Ch. 202). Bayern’s 3–1 loss to Arsenal halted their momentum, while Sporting arrive eighth with three wins and a strong claim on the last automatic qualification spot.

At 9:00 p.m., Inter Milan host Liverpool, broadcast live on SS Football Plus HD (DStv Ch. 202). Inter sit fourth after losing their perfect record to Atlético Madrid. Liverpool, 13th and coming off a damaging 4–1 defeat to PSV, desperately need stability. Inter remain favourites to strengthen their top-four position.

Chelsea travel to Bergamo to face Atalanta at 9:00 p.m. The match will air on SS Premier League (GOtv Ch. 65, DStv Ch. 203). Chelsea’s 3–0 win over Barcelona offered relief, but their domestic struggles persist. Atalanta, 10th, have won two straight in Europe, making this a pivotal contest for qualification.

Barcelona return home at 9:00 p.m. to face Eintracht Frankfurt. Viewers can watch live on SS Football (GOtv Ch. 61, DStv Ch. 205). Barca sit 18th in the UCL despite topping La Liga, and must respond after losing 3–0 to Chelsea. Frankfurt, 28th and out of form, present a crucial opportunity to regain control of their playoff path.

Wednesday: Real Madrid vs Man City Takes Centre Stage

All eyes turn to Madrid as Real Madrid host Manchester City at 9:00 p.m. The match will be broadcast on SS Football Plus HD (DStv Ch. 202). Real, fifth, edged Olympiakos 4–3 but remain inconsistent domestically. City, ninth, seek redemption after their first UCL loss, a 2–0 defeat to Leverkusen at home, and need a result to stay in the top-eight mix.

Also at 9:00 p.m., Arsenal visit Club Brugge. The game will air on SS Premier League (GOtv Ch. 65, DStv Ch. 203). Arsenal lead the UCL with 15 points and recently outclassed Bayern. Brugge, 26th, were beaten 3–0 by Sporting and are fighting to hang on to a playoff place.

PSG travel to face Athletic Club at 9:00 p.m. The match will be shown live on SS La Liga (GOtv Ch. 62, DStv Ch. 204). PSG sit second with four wins from five, while Athletic, 27th and winless in Europe, need an upset to stay alive in the competition.

Leverkusen host Newcastle at 9:00 p.m. The game will be live on SS Africa 2 (GOtv Ch. 64, DStv Ch. 208). Leverkusen have surged with back-to-back UCL wins, including a 2–0 victory at Manchester City. Newcastle, now 11th, have lost two straight and must respond to remain within the top-12 seeding bracket.

Matchday 6 Highlights

Tuesday, Dec 9

Bayern Munich vs Sporting Lisbon — 6:45 p.m. (SS Football Plus HD – DStv 202)
Inter Milan vs Liverpool — 9:00 p.m. (SS Football Plus HD – DStv 202)
Atalanta vs Chelsea — 9:00 p.m. (SS Premier League – GOtv 65, DStv 203)
Barcelona vs Eintracht Frankfurt — 9:00 p.m. (SS Football – GOtv 61, DStv 205)

Wednesday, Dec 10

Real Madrid vs Manchester City — 9:00 p.m. (SS Football Plus HD – DStv 202)
Club Brugge vs Arsenal — 9:00 p.m. (SS Premier League – GOtv 65, DStv 203)
Athletic Club vs PSG — 9:00 p.m. (SS La Liga – GOtv 62, DStv 204)
Bayer Leverkusen vs Newcastle — 9:00 p.m. (SS Africa 2 – GOtv 64, DStv 208)

Catch Every Moment

Watch every game live on Supersport and Stream all Champions League action live on DStv Stream and GOtv Stream. Manage your subscription on the MyDStv or MyGOtv app, or visit www.dstv.com and www.gotvafrica.com.