On 24 September, an online panel of regulators and operators will examine the South African case and other African jurisdictions.
The African market continues to draw the attention of international operators in the sector, but how much does it actually cost to enter it? That is the question at the heart of the panel Softswiss will host on 24 September, from 2pm, live on LinkedIn. The event, titled “Not a Cheap Bet: The Economics of Launch in the African iGaming Market,” will bring together different voices from the industry around the same virtual table: the South African regulator Mpumalanga Economic Regulator, local operator Jabula Bets, consultancy firm Legends Gaming and Management Solutions, and Softswiss itself.
South Africa will serve as the main case study, but the discussion is expected to extend to the continent as a whole, whose regulatory fragmentation makes it difficult to speak of a single entry strategy. Licensing costs, compliance requirements and commercial dynamics vary significantly from one country to another, and it is precisely on this point that Mariia Halaida, Head of Business Development in Africa at Softswiss, insists: “Operators see Africa as a growth opportunity, but the financial reality of entry requires careful planning. The continent is not a single market: each jurisdiction presents different costs, regulatory frameworks and commercial dynamics. This panel gives operators the information they need to assess whether and where expansion into Africa makes commercial sense.”
A different but complementary perspective comes from Vusi Mtsweni, CEO of the Mpumalanga Economic Regulator, according to whom “entering any regulated market requires more than an assessment of its commercial potential. Businesses need to understand the regulatory environment, their compliance obligations and the broader responsibilities that come with operating in the market. From a regulatory standpoint, we welcome an informed and constructive dialogue that helps industry players better understand these requirements. Ultimately, sustainable growth in Africa’s online gaming sector must be built on regulatory compliance, responsible gaming, consumer protection and a commitment to operating with integrity.”
Participation in the event will be free, subject to registration, and those interested will be able to submit questions in advance through a dedicated form, with the possibility of seeing them addressed directly during the live discussion. For those seeking a deeper look before the panel itself, Softswiss has made available a report on the South African market, with data on market structure and regulatory requirements.
