SBWA+ 2023: Day Two - Navigating the Future of iGaming With Expertise and Dynamic Engagement

Day Two of the highly anticipated Sports Betting West Africa+ Summit 2023 commenced with a burst of energy and anticipation. Eager to embrace the day's business opportunities and gain invaluable insights from distinguished iGaming leaders, our guests embarked on a journey of enrichment and collaboration.

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Kicking off the day, Oyeneye Seun, Chief Operating Officer of Starbet, delivered exciting opening remarks, setting the stage for a day of unparalleled insight into the West African iGaming market.

Daniel Bernard, Investor at Mindspring Capital, kicked off the day’s discussions and delivered a compelling presentation on intelligent investing in the sports betting sector. Bernard highlighted the industry's rapid growth driven by mobile betting popularity, market expansion, and data accessibility.

The morning continued with a presentation by Adetoun Adeyemi, Head of Legal at Lagos State Lotteries & Gaming Authority. Sharing strategies for driving investment and promoting responsible gaming in the dynamic landscape of the West African gaming industry, Adeyemi represented a powerful gaming authority in Lagos and gave attendees a glimpse into the future of the rising West African iGaming market.

The day further escalated with a thought-provoking panel discussion on identifying high-growth markets in African sports betting and strategies to access them. Johnson Adewale FOYE guided the discussion as moderator, while panellists, Solomon Godwin, Senior Business Development Manager, Olaitan Olanrewaju Samuel, Gaming Consult/Business Developer, DK Michael Aghaji, Head of Sales at E2 Communications and Oyeneye Seun, Chief Operating Officer of Starbet delved into crucial insights to navigate the evolving landscape.

Olaitan Olanrewaju Samuel, Gaming Consult/Business Developer

If you take a look at the economy, great as it is, you can identify the progressions in the African economies. Gaming, as it is, is always on the rise.

During the networking coffee break attendees were given the opportunity to engage in vibrant conversations with their fellow iGaming experts.

The afternoon commenced with a riveting panel discussion on women in African iGaming. Under the skillful guidance of moderator Emily Asava, Sales Manager at TVBET, the discussion explored unlocking the hidden talent of women in African iGaming, revealing new perspectives and possibilities. Esteemed participants on the panel included Unity Nwanze, Bunmi Oduba and Maha Otu who enthusiastically shared their experiences and achievements within the iGaming industry. They demonstrated their expertise by highlighting the remarkable women within West Africa's market, captivating the audience with their insights.

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Unity Nwanze, Business Operations Manager, betBonanza

I’m also passionate about mentoring. Part of my brand is also spotting talent, seeing people at their initial stage and giving them the right support to reach their potential. That is something I am also passionate about, because at the end of the day you can always grow in talent. It’s a win-win for everybody.

Shining a spotlight on the intersection of technology and gaming, the focus turned to AI-powered growth with inputs from experts Adefisoye Stephen, Head of Customer Experience at Sporttech Media Entertainment, and Emily Asava, Sales Manager at TVBET. The lively panel discussion, skillfully moderated by Jonathan Nwanze, Finance Manager (West Africa) at Velex Advisory, delved into how artificial intelligence is reshaping the iGaming arena.

During the networking lunch break, attendees were treated to a delightful spread of delicacies, while they connected and recharged before the afternoon sessions.

Following the lunch break, the audience remained incredibly interactive and engaged, posing questions to the speakers and fostering lively discussions. The conference area buzzed with excitement as it remained consistently full, a testament to the audience's eagerness to learn from the esteemed speakers. Meanwhile, the exhibition floor was a vibrant hub, featuring dynamic booths that drew attendees in with their innovative offerings and a further opportunity for one-on-one networking.

The day's insightful journey continued with an enriching panel discussion that was expertly moderated by Adewunmi Adeniji, Sales Manager at Globacom Limited (Glo). Industry leaders, including Julius Fadipe from Soloti Gaming Ltd (FrapapaBet), Oliver Hooper, Head of Business Development at LiveScore, and Chinedu Okereke, Affiliate Manager, shared insights on innovative marketing approaches and the power of affiliate marketing for business growth.

Next on stage, Oyeneye Seun moderated an expert lineup including Akeem Olanrewaju Odukoya from betBonanza, Fisayo Oke of Gamble Alert, Adesoji Babatunde from Starbet, and Oyindamola Michaels, Country Manager at Kaizen Gaming. Speakers shared their outlook on player protection, responsible gaming policies, and the role of technology in enhancing safety measures in West African gaming.

The final panel discussion of the day ended with moderator, Johnson Adewale FOYE, Head of Retail Operations at Nairabet (Brand Star Limited) who guided the conversation on the trends and potential of online games that resonate with the thriving West African gaming market. Informed perspectives were shared by panelists Olaitan Olanrewaju Samuel, a Gaming Consultant and Business Developer, Adewunmi Adeniji, Sales Manager at Globacom Limited (Glo), Adesoji Babatunde, Head of Training/Retail at Starbet, DK Michael Aghaji, Head of Sales at E2 Communications, and Robert Toth, Business Development Manager at Global Bet.

The energetic atmosphere and bustling activity showcased the event's dynamic nature and the attendees' keen interest in the diverse topics presented.

As the day’s discussions concluded with a sense of achievement and camaraderie, Oyeneye Seun, COO of Starbet, delivered closing remarks, reflecting on the wealth of knowledge shared and connections forged.

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The SBWA+ 2023 Eventus Awards brought an exhilarating blend of excitement and prestige to Day Two of the event. Following a day of illuminating discussions, attendees were treated to an exclusive evening of celebration. The event provided a platform for industry leaders, innovators, and decision-makers to mingle and enjoy drinks. The highlight of the evening was the grand unveiling of the SBWA+ 2023 Eventus Awards, a moment that recognized and celebrated the exceptional achievements and contributions that have shaped the African gaming landscape.