Meet Our Speakers

Weldon Koros

Director Association of Gaming Regulators in Africa

Weldon Koros

Director

About the speaker

Jurgen Zammit

Head of External Relations Malta Enterprise

Jurgen Zammit

Head of External Relations

About the speaker

Jurgen Zammit, B. Com(Hons),MBA,ACCA, born in 1979. He furthered his studies at the University of Malta graduating in banking, finance, and a master’s in business administration. An Accountant by profession, with ACCA qualifications from the Association of Certified Chartered Accountants (UK). He has over 25 years of work experience in various sectors including shipping with over a decade at Malta Freeport Terminals Ltd, manufacturing, education, accounting, auditing, procurement investment and tax. He Heads the external relations office at Malta Enterprise, responsible to promote international business relations and mutual opportunities, sits on the General Contracts Committee, Department of Contracts, Ministry of Finance primarily responsible for providing advice on all matters pertaining to public calls for tenders. He also sits on the Board Audit Committee of the Malta Information Technology Agency, the agency responsible to provide ICT infrastructure, systems and services to Government.

Valentina Bagniya

CMO SOFTSWISS

Valentina Bagniya

CMO

About the speaker

Valentina boasts a career in marketing that spans multiple industries, from FMCG to iGaming, and many brands such as British American Tobacco, Nestlé, and Heineken. Her expertise in marketing strategy, market research, management, and trade marketing has been sharpened through years of experience leading the marketing departments of regional spirits and beer companies. Under Valentina’s leadership, SOFTSWISS has become the number one brand in the media over the past four years, receiving industry recognition and awards such as EGR Marketing and Innovation Award 2023 and 2024, Best Advertising and Marketing Campaign at the European iGaming Awards, the iGaming Brand IDOL 2023 and many more. In 2024, the European iGaming Excellence Awards honoured Valentina as iGaming Influencer of the Year.

Charné Thompson

Founder & Director Thompsons Legal Alliance

Charné Thompson

Founder & Director

About the speaker

A practicing attorney, with years of valuable international experience, Charné specialises in Web3, Commercial law and Corporate structuring offering clients legal services as their fractional Chief Legal Officer. Charne' imbues unconventional thinking with a deep understanding and appreciation of the ever-evolving laws in relation to blockchain technology; tokenisation; commercial negotiations, corporate structuring; data protection; global Anti-Money Laundering and regulatory frameworks. In addition, Charné has been appointed as the head of the African Chapter for the global organisation Women in Web3 (WiW3CH) and is Co-Founder of a Climate Tech Start-Up. Having successfully guided numerous innovators in the industry, on the legal intricacies surrounding web3 and web4 projects; she is well-positioned to navigate the complexities of the on-chain ecosystem.

Nick Holden

CEO ACGL (African Cyber Gaming League)

Nick Holden

CEO

About the speaker

Nick Holden, co-founder and CEO of the African Cyber Gaming League (ACGL), has been a driving force behind the growth and development of esports in Africa. With a career that began as a competitive Call of Duty player, Nick transitioned from the thrill of the game to the challenge of building an infrastructure that supports aspiring players across the continent. Starting his journey with Clan Connection and MWEB’s GameZone, Nick developed a deep understanding of tournament organization, player engagement, and community building. These experiences culminated in the founding of ACGL in 2015 alongside Clint O’Shea. Under Nick’s leadership, ACGL has become a cornerstone of African esports, hosting landmark events and partnering with global brands like Activision, Ubisoft, and Samsung. Nick is committed to fostering opportunities for players of all ages and skill levels. Through innovative platforms, grassroots initiatives, and school programs, ACGL has empowered thousands of gamers, laying the foundation for a thriving esports ecosystem.

Garron Whitesman

Founding Partner Whitesmans Attorneys

Garron Whitesman

Founding Partner

About the speaker

Garron Whitesman is recognised internationally as a leading lawyer in the gambling industry. He is the founding partner of Whitesmans Attorneys which he established in 2006. Garron was admitted as a South African attorney in 1996 and has BA LLB and LLM degrees from the University of Cape Town. He has been practising gambling law since 2003. For over two decades, Garron has developed and maintained a global practice in gaming, gambling and commercial law. His practice runs the full spectrum of regulatory, commercial, corporate and new media- related work within the field with a particular expertise in online gaming and gambling. Garron has litigated industry-related matters in the High Courts of South Africa and England, state and federal courts in the United States of America, state and federal courts in Germany and the European Court of Justice. Garron has tremendous experience in license applications and/ or compliance and/ or regulatory hearings/ reviews in South Africa, Gibraltar, Malta, Alderney, Great Britain, Spain, Italy, Australia, Germany and other international jurisdictions. He acts for online, mobile and land-based bookmakers, betting exchanges and casino, poker, bingo, skills games, sweepstakes, competition and lottery (messenger and secondary) operators; software and games providers and manufacturers; and service companies within the gambling industry, many of whom are the leading and/ or largest participants in the industry in South Africa and/ or internationally. Garron has lived and practised as an associate and/ or partner at law firms in Cape Town and London. Prior to specialising in the gambling industry, his experience included commercial, corporate, corporate finance and restructuring, insolvency and litigation. Garron is also a non-executive director of a number of industry participants who hold licences in Alderney, the United Kingdom and Ontario. He is a founding director of Virya.vc. 

Geoffrey Muindi

Director & Lead Consultant BetWorks Consulting Africa

Geoffrey Muindi

Director & Lead Consultant

About the speaker

Geoffrey Muindi is a seasoned C-suite executive and entrepreneur with extensive expertise in the iGaming industry. As the founder of BetWorks Consulting, headquartered in Kenya, Geoffrey is committed to providing top-tier gaming consultancy services to brands seeking to establish or expand their presence in the African market. With a proven track record, he has successfully overseen the development and execution of numerous iGaming projects across Africa. Geoffrey brings a wealth of experience from his leadership roles with prominent gaming brands that he has previously worked with. His background in media and leadership of Dive Marketing, a marketing agency, has honed his ability to execute impactful, targeted campaigns for gaming brands and clients across various industries. His dedication to delivering results has made him a trusted leader in both the gaming and marketing landscapes.

Jonathan Low

Founder & CEO Biptap

Jonathan Low

Founder & CEO

About the speaker

Jonathan Low, a visionary entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience, is transforming the global financial landscape as the Founder and CEO of Biptap. In a world increasingly plagued by banking challenges, he is addressing critical issues in payments, financial accessibility, and privacyy merging blockchain technology with traditional banking systems, Jonathan is creating innovative solutions that empower businesses and individuals to navigate and thrive in an evolving financial ecosystem.

Asal Alizade

Co-Founder & CEO Blocklogica Labs

Asal Alizade

Co-Founder & CEO

About the speaker

Coming from computer engineering background, Asal entered the blockchain industry in 2017 as a technical analyst in projects due diligence for different investment entities such as Hedge Funds and VCs. After wearing different hats in executive roles for service providers and startups, Asal joined the founding team in Blocklogica Labs to facilitate the growth, incubation, and funding of top tier web3 projects.

Nicole Daniels

HR Manager 10bet Africa

Nicole Daniels

HR Manager

About the speaker

I am a young energetic HR professional with vast insight into the HR scope due to the nature of my experience and qualifications. I took a unique approach with my entry in the HR profession. I hold an LLB law degree with a keen focus on Labour Laws and Compliance. I went on to obtain my CCMA commissioner qualification which exposed me to the world of CCMA and allowed me to expand on my expertise from an IR/ Dispute Resolution perspective. My experience has seen me working predominantly with international corporates with vast cultural diversity. My 14+ years experience in the HR profession has exposed me to an array of industries in the SA Landscape. The experience I have gained over my career thus far has allowed me to offer a vast insight into HR/ legal/ operations and security management. My background is legal in nature thus pushing my expertise towards an IR focus, which has proven beneficial within international environments. I am currently the HR Manager for 10bet, an international powerhouse in the Igaming space who recently opened operations in Africa.

Ebenezer Ghanney

CEO WeWire

Ebenezer Ghanney

CEO

About the speaker

Eben has 7+ years of experience in the Fintech & FX space. He is an experienced FX trader who has generated a lot of revenue and cost savings for his clients over the years. He has successfully executed trades of over USD 2 Billion from 2021 to date. He successfully led the growth of Wewire in Ghana and the expansion into other markets (Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, UAE, USA and Canada). Obtained a license for the company in Canada. Prior to launching Wewire, He was the Country Operations Manager for Yellow Card in Ghana, where he built the retail business to 150k+ users and over USD 20 million in transaction volume in the first year of operation.

Lee-Ann Johnstone

Founder Affiverse

Lee-Ann Johnstone

Founder

About the speaker

With over two decades of digital and affiliate marketing experience Lee-Ann Johnstone is a veteran and influencer in the affiliate marketing industry. Voted as one of iGaming’s most influential women in 2019 she started her career in affiliate marketing in the early 2000’s, boasting over 2 decades of expertise working across a range of different industries. She’s the founder of Affiverse an affiliate marketing agency, media platform and the host of The Affiliate Marketing podcast - which are dedicated to helping affiliates and affiliate managers do affiliate marketing - better. In addition she also runs a unique 12 week Mastermind for Affiliate Program managers: Affiliate Manager Performance Program (AMPP), providing on the job coaching and support for advertisers and brands who want to run performance marketing programs in-house. She’s trained over 3,000 affiliate managers in the past 4 years! Visit: www.affiversemedia.com to find out more about how Lee-Ann and her team are helping the world do affiliate marketing, better.

Robin Bennett

Head of Department – Regulatory Compliance Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board

Robin Bennett

Head of Department – Regulatory Compliance

About the speaker

Charles Herisson

International Investor Charles Herisson Ltd

Charles Herisson

International Investor

About the speaker

"Guided by the motto" "Giving back is the true measure of success" Charles Herisson, an international investor, is driven by a passion for sports and crypto. His diverse portfolio spans multiple sectors. As a philanthropist and successful serial entrepreneur, he specializes in startups and has mentored numerous people and companies worldwide. Charles's commitment to creating meaningful impact is evident in his collaborative efforts with governments and institutions. His dedication to this cause is further highlighted by his role as an accomplished author, having written two books on cooperation, notably ""From Local Competition to Global Collaboration,"" featuring a foreword by former President of the European Union, Romano Prodi. Charles invests in a range of digital businesses and provides consulting services for funds and High Net Worth (HNW) individuals, leveraging his expertise in coaching, crypto, iGaming, and affiliate marketing to drive growth and success."

Borah Omary Ndanyungu

East Regional Manager - New Markets and Campaigns betPawa

Borah Omary Ndanyungu

East Regional Manager - New Markets and Campaigns

About the speaker

Borah Omary is a prominent marketing and media expert residing in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, recognized for her prowess in crafting marketing strategies and spearheading media initiatives throughout East Africa. With over ten years in the industry, Borah has played a pivotal role in enhancing the growth and visibility of various brands in the dynamic marketing and media sectors. She holds an MBA in Marketing from the Open University of Tanzania (2013-2016) and a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science from the Institute of Finance Management (2010-2013). Borah's career reflects her dedication to delivering impactful marketing solutions and her enthusiasm for media production. Currently, she is the East Regional Manager for New Markets and Campaigns at betPawa, a leading online betting company, where she coordinates local marketing activities, leads a team of Local Marketing Coordinators, and oversees campaigns including out-of-home advertising and event management. Her strategic acumen in emerging markets and budget management has been instrumental in executing successful branding initiatives for betPawa. Previously, she served as the Country Marketing Manager for betPawa, directing marketing efforts to drive user growth while adhering to local advertising laws.

Wayne Lurie

Director Lurie Inc

Wayne Lurie

Director

About the speaker

Wayne began his law career in the late 90’s after graduating from UKZN, Durban. He completed his training in Durban at one of the oldest law firms in the country where he established a technology department establishing  a firm grounding in technology, new media and e-commerce. In 2002, he relocated to Johannesburg to work as in-house legal counsel for what was then amongst the largest outsource service providers to the interactive gambling industry worldwide. It is here that Wayne cut his teeth in the gambling industry and he has practised exclusively in such arena since. In 2003, Wayne founded the law firm of Lurie Incorporated. Since then, he has been widely consulted by a broad range of clients on all manner of matters surrounding gambling, both online and terrestrial. His clients range from family businesses to multinational publicly listed companies. Whilst first and foremost an “operator’s lawyer”, Wayne’s clientele has extended to include government regulators and commissions, terrestrial casinos, bookmakers, online betting operators, manufacturers of gambling equipment, PSP’s and test laboratories. Wayne’s practice experience extends beyond dealing with commercial and regulatory matters for his clients to litigation around gambling and he has been involved in landmark cases in the highest South African courts and abroad. He has received international recognition in various legal guides and features frequently in media on the topic of gambling law.

Siphindile Msani

Customer Success Manager - Africa Online Kiron Interactive

Siphindile Msani

Customer Success Manager - Africa Online

About the speaker

I graduated in Sports Management from the Durban University of Technology and launched my career in the gambling industry with Hollywoodbets. Starting in the customer service department, I progressed to a Key Account Manager role, where I drove the distribution of Hollywoodbets’ Value-Added Services portfolio in the Southern Africa region. Seeking further growth, I relocated to Johannesburg to join the global operator 10bet as a VIP Account Manager and later joined Kiron Interactive. In my current role, I am responsible for fostering and maintaining relationships with our clients across Africa and rolling out our virtual games to operators in the continent. As a woman in this industry, I have encountered challenges, often facing expectations that we may fall short. My approach has been to consistently apply myself, ask questions, and seek support from those who are leaders and dominate the industry. I encourage other women to do the same by embracing mentorship and continuous upskilling.

Solomon Godwin

Head - Africa Booming Games

Solomon Godwin

Head - Africa

About the speaker

Solomon Godwin has over a decade of experience in the iGaming industry. I am a seasoned professional specializing in Business Development, Retail vs Online Operations, New Markets, Marketing, Compliance and Platforms. Having worked with leading companies, Solomon Godwin brings deep technical expertise and a keen understanding of market trends, player behavior, and regulatory landscapes. Solomon Godwin thrives in fast-paced environments, consistently delivering high-quality while meeting project deadlines and exceeding client expectations. I am committed to continuous learning, staying up to date with the latest market trend. Solomon Godwin is passionate about fostering strong relationships with stakeholders, driving collaboration across cross-functional teams and partnerships.

Lois Bright

Director of Africa & Middle East The Conexus Group

Lois Bright

Director of Africa & Middle East

About the speaker

Conor O'Donovan

Africa Partner Tekkorp Capital

Conor O'Donovan

Africa Partner

About the speaker

Conor is Tekkorp Capital’s Africa Partner, overseeing the London based investment and advisory firm’s Africa-focused fund, acquiring multiple targets to create a high-value African digital ecosystem. With nearly a decade of experience launching, operating, and successfully exiting ventures across Africa and Europe, he’s proven an experienced dealmaker who excels at spotting undervalued opportunities. His track record spans fintech, payments, gaming, and media, powered by a hands-on leadership style and a commitment to driving sustainable growth and high-impact returns. By blending strategic M&A expertise with forward-thinking innovation, Conor stands at the forefront of Africa’s rapidly evolving digital and gaming sector.

Mathabo Sekhonyana

CMO Bettabets

Mathabo Sekhonyana

CMO

About the speaker

Mathabo Sekhonyana is a dynamic marketing specialist with a deep understanding of Africa’s evolving digital and gaming landscape. As the Chief Marketing Officer of Bettabets, she drives 360-degree marketing strategies that fuel the company’s growth and brand impact in the sports betting industry. Recognised as a Mail & Guardian Top 200 Young South African in 2024 in Technology & Innovation, Mathabo brings a fresh, data-driven approach to consumer engagement, mobile-first marketing, and responsible gaming initiatives. A strong advocate for ethical industry practices, Mathabo recently spearheaded Bettabets' Smart Money Management Workshops, an innovative financial literacy campaign designed to empower sports betting punters with responsible gambling tools. Her expertise extends beyond marketing, as she frequently speaks on Africa’s mobile-dominant market, AI’s role in online entertainment, and industry accountability. Beyond the industry, Mathabo is passionate about female empowerment and youth development, serving on the board of the B.E.A.R Foundation. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Law & Management) and a Postgraduate Diploma in International Relations and has been recognised as a Rising Star (Africa Career Summit) and a 2024 Marketing Leader (World Marketing Congress).

Gail Odgers

Head of Acquisition Sportingbet South Africa

Gail Odgers

Head of Acquisition

About the speaker

A dynamic marketing leader in the sports betting industry, Gail specialises in driving customer acquisition, brand engagement, and market growth. With a strong focus on data-driven strategies, she excels in optimising performance and maximising impact in a competitive landscape. Known for blending analytical thinking with creativity, Gail has a track record of building and leading high-performing teams. Her expertise in strategic planning, marketing efficiency, and leadership ensures sustained growth and innovation. Beyond marketing, Gail is passionate about empowering women in sport, both on and off the field. A strong advocate for mentorship and diversity, she is dedicated to fostering inclusive leadership and creating opportunities for the next generation. With deep industry knowledge and a commitment to driving results, Gail continues to shape the future of sports betting marketing and leadership.

Yvonne Skepu

Executive Manager - Legal Services Mpumalanga Economic Regulator

Yvonne Skepu

Executive Manager - Legal Services

About the speaker

Yvonne Skepu s an admitted Attorney, Notary and Conveyancer and has been rendering legal drafting, research and advisory services in the South African gambling regulatory space for over 15 years. She joined the gambling industry in 2008 and enjoys working in the gambling industry, with its different facets and various laws governing the sector.  She holds the degrees LL.B (Cum Laude), LL.M (Labour Law), a Post-Graduate Diploma in Business Management and MBA (MANCOSA). Her previous work experience includes lecturing at the Law Faculty of Stellenbosch University and practising as a lawyer in private practice.

Scott Canny

Director CannyCo

Scott Canny

Director

About the speaker

Scott is an expert in African iGaming with over 15 years of experience, primarily in South Africa, where he played a key role in shaping the industry. As a leader in the space, he has built and scaled multiple operations. Now an independent consultant, Scott advises established operators and international companies looking to enter the South African and broader African markets.

Tezna Abrahams

Retention Specialist

Tezna Abrahams

Retention Specialist

About the speaker

Tezna Abrahams is a professional South African Paralympian and record-breaking para-athlete specializing in the 100m, 200m, and long jump. Tezna Abrahams started her track career in 2023. Competing in the T44 classification, she has broken the African record in long jump four times and holds multiple records in sprinting events. She made her Paralympic debut at the 2024 Paris Games, where she placed 10th in the 200m and 11th in long jump, setting a new African record. Beyond athletics, Tezna is a retention specialist in the iGaming industry, where she develops lifecycle flows and engagement strategies. She is also an entrepreneur, launching Tacto Deportivo, a sports massage business, in the near future. With a Master of Technology in Sport Management, Tezna is determined to inspire others by pushing boundaries in sports and business. She trains six days a week as she prepares for the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympic Games, driven by resilience and a vision of breaking new ground.

Steve Evans

CEO & Founder Racing Stars

Steve Evans

CEO & Founder

About the speaker

CEO & Co-Founder of Stars Games (Racing Stars) with over 25 years of experience in various aspects of the gambling industry from being a croupier, betting shop manager and moving to iGaming.

Simon Pepper

CPO Tola Mobile

Simon Pepper

CPO

About the speaker

Combining experience from the Telecoms, Billing arena, Payments and Enterprise, Middleware, Simon heads up Product at Tola. His wealth of experience has enabled him to tailor Tola’s products & features to meet the challenging demands that a payments product faces in Africa while ensuring that a diverse customer base across multiple sectors has the right features and capabilities to maximize opportunities. Among his previous roles, Simon was SVP Product for Sysnet Global Solutions and Product Director for IONA Technologies PLC (formerly Nasdaq:IONA), a global market leader in distributed computing and application integration middleware. Simon holds Degrees in Electronic Engineering and Marketing and was awarded Chartered Engineer status and Member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM)

Maya Padarath

Head of Affiliates Wanejobets22

Maya Padarath

Head of Affiliates

About the speaker

Maya Padarath Early Career in Gaming and Betting Maya Padarath began her career in the gaming industry in 2015, focusing on casino operations and sports betting. With a keen interest in the dynamics of gambling, she quickly gained expertise in various aspects of the industry, including game mechanics, player engagement strategies, and regulatory compliance. Her early experiences provided her with a solid foundation for understanding both the operational and customer service sides of gaming. Transition to Digital Marketing As the online gaming landscape evolved, Maya recognized the growing importance of digital marketing within the sector. She transitioned her focus towards online digital marketing and affiliate marketing, leveraging her extensive knowledge of gaming to create effective marketing strategies. Her passion for technology and analytics allowed her to optimize campaigns that drive traffic and enhance user engagement. Current Specialization Today, Maya specializes in online digital marketing for gaming platforms, utilizing data-driven approaches to maximize reach and profitability. Her strong passion for affiliate marketing has positioned her as a key player in connecting brands with their target audiences effectively. Through continuous learning and adaptation to market trends, Maya remains at the forefront of innovation within the online gaming industry.

Lindi Ngwenya

Founder & Managing Director Sisu Sports Management

Lindi Ngwenya

Founder & Managing Director

About the speaker

Lindi Ngwenya is the Founder and Managing Director of U.K.-based, Sisu Sports Management Ltd. The company’s mission is to support the development of the football ecosystem for talent, clubs, leagues and federations in underserved markets such as women’s football and many parts of Africa. Sisu Sports Management leverages technology to accelerate the opportunities for stakeholders in the areas of commercial, performance and recruitment, an example of which is their Uburu Africa platform matching football talent directly to sports scholarships in the USA. Lindi obtained a Chemical Engineering Masters Degree from Cambridge University and subsequently attended The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst where she commissioned as an officer in The Corps of Royal Engineers. This was followed by over a decade working in the London financial markets as a bonds and credit derivatives trader before establishing Sisu in 2013.

Gala Grigoreva

CMO Adsterra

Gala Grigoreva

CMO

About the speaker

Gala Grigoreva, the Chief Marketing Officer at Adsterra, is a seasoned marketing professional with over 15 years of experience in global brand marketing, encompassing both B2C and B2B sectors. For the last ten years, she has been dedicated to managing marketing teams and cultivating products in global mobile, web3, and adtech companies. Gala employs an integrated marketing approach that combines SEO, content and influencer marketing, paid traffic, social media, product marketing, public relations, affiliate marketing, partnership marketing, and more. She holds a degree in International Relations and has received international education in strategic marketing, including a Master's from the London School of Business and Finance. Gala is a certified business mentor, a marketing consultant, an international speaker, and a community leader for Women in Tech Cyprus. In 2023, she has become one of the Forbes 20 Women in Tech Cyprus Awards.

Yaliwe Mlambo

Chairperson United Africa Blockchain Association (UABA)

Yaliwe Mlambo

Chairperson

About the speaker

As a blockchain and crypto early adopter, Yaliwe Mlambo has established her presence in the sector by becoming chairperson of United Africa Blockchain Association (UABA) and founder of Essence Crypto Consultants, founder of Umoja Empowerment Fund as well as United Africa Women in Blockchain. To date she is recognized globally as a Speaker, participating in various speaking events to raise awareness about the opportunities in blockchain technology. She sees education as the primary driver to adopting the opportunities in blockchain technology. As a qualified training facilitator and assessor, she is actively involved in driving Africa’s adoption through education and training campaigns such as UABA’s Reach 1 Million for Blockchain Campaign (1MB). Passionate about technology’s ability to greatly benefit financial inclusion and women empowerment, she founded Umoja a community-based lending platform to help women access capital at minimal interest, and a market place for them to sell their products with ease and greater reach. Under her leadership UABA has established Chapters in 9 African countries namely: Cameroun, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Togo, Uganda, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. With Botswana and Malawi to be added soon. Embarked on bringing Venture capital and emerging Africa tech start-ups using the vehicle UABA Start-up Initiative. And is running the first ever blockchain pilot project in Zambia to determine the feasibility of Blockchain for social good.

Gali Hartuv

CEO & Co-Founder WarriorLab

Gali Hartuv

CEO & Co-Founder

About the speaker

As the CEO and Co-Founder of WarriorLab, Gali brings a wealth of experience from his illustrious global career spanning almost a decade and a half. Having supported some of the world’s most renowned brands, while redefining VIP strategies for sustainable long-term growth, every initiative he leads is underpinned by WarriorLab’s core values of communication, transparency, and trust. As a thought leader and industry expert in VIP and B2C Operational Optimisation and Strategy, Gali’s proprietary VIP strategy and approach won the VIP iGaming Idol in 2022. He is also the Course Director for Gaming Operations Academy on all things VIP. Most recently, Gali was awarded with Best iGaming Management Consulting CEO (Africa) on behalf of WarriorLab at the Global CEO Excellence Awards 2024 and was recognised among the TOP 50 Most Influential Men in Gaming, Africa 2024. Gali’s journey has been built on forging meaningful relationships, complemented by his passion for data-driven strategies and leveraging the right knowledge at the right time to deliver optimal results. Alongside his team, Gali envisions an empowered industry built on shared expertise and collective progress, where cooperation drives continuous improvement and innovation.

Andrew Wicks

Co-Founder Initiate International

Andrew Wicks

Co-Founder

About the speaker

Kyle Lawson

Sportsbook Manager Xtended Gaming

Kyle Lawson

Sportsbook Manager

About the speaker

I am a sportsbook manager and business analyst with extensive experience in iGaming, trading, and sports betting operations. My expertise lies in leading pricing strategies, risk management, and sportsbook teams, while driving customer engagement through innovative sportsbook strategies. Over the years, I have worked across multiple markets, helping both crypto and fiat brands optimize their offerings and stay ahead in the fast-evolving betting landscape. Beyond my operational roles, I have provided strategic consulting on sportsbook growth, risk management, and market expansion, helping brands refine their approach in competitive environments. With the rapid evolution of the betting industry, I remain focused on emerging trends such as the increasing role of AI in iGaming, Web3 innovations, and the growing intersection between esports and wagering. As esports continues to grow in Africa, there are increasing opportunities for betting operators and brands to engage with this emerging market. At SiGMA Africa 2025, I will be speaking on "Building Africa’s Esports Ecosystem: From Grassroots Talent to Global Tournaments," sharing insights on the role of sponsorships, betting, and industry partnerships in supporting the region’s esports growth.

Shaheer Karrim

Co-Founder Mzansi Web3 ICP.Hub Southern Africa

Shaheer Karrim

Co-Founder

About the speaker

Claude du Toit

Head of Growth Basher Esports

Claude du Toit

Head of Growth

About the speaker

Claude has over a decade of experience in iGaming, esports, and startups, with a strong focus on operations, strategy, and business development. He was a co-founder of Betway Esports, helping launch one of the first major esports betting offerings, and later played a key role in developing a bespoke iGaming platform at Arcanebet. Beyond these ventures, Claude has held strategic and operational roles at Rivalry and Metaspins, working across marketing, product development, and business strategy. His experience spans both traditional and emerging modals, ensuring businesses adapt to evolving industry trends. He is currently with Basher Agency, focusing on internal operations and new business ventures, ensuring a well-rounded approach to business success. With a deeply operational background, Claude combines strategic thinking with an understanding of innovation and psychology. His expertise lies in identifying industry shifts, optimizing business functions, and positioning companies for long-term success. Bringing a practical and forward-thinking perspective, Claude helps companies navigate industry challenges, anticipate market changes, and leverage emerging opportunities, ensuring they stay competitive in an evolving digital landscape.

Daniel Katz

Co-Founder & CEO Ezeebit

Daniel Katz

Co-Founder & CEO

About the speaker

Daniel Katz is the Co-Founder and CEO of Ezeebit, a forward-thinking blockchain solutions provider dedicated to fostering mainstream cryptocurrency adoption. He is a qualified biomedical and electrical engineer whose passion for innovation has guided his career across multiple high-tech industries. Before launching Ezeebit, Daniel served as CEO of Pundi X South Africa—the official franchise of the global Pundi X brand in Africa—where he championed accessible crypto payment technologies. In 2024, Ezee Solutions Group acquired Pundi X’s cryptocurrency payment and exchange technology, rebranding under Daniel’s leadership as Ezeebit. Earlier in his career, Daniel acted as CTO of a data analytics and AI company, leveraging cutting-edge machine learning solutions to generate actionable insights. Transitioning into the cryptocurrency space in 2021, he brought extensive technical expertise. He frequently shares insights and advocates for the transformative potential of digital assets, highlighting user-friendly platforms as the key to accelerating global adoption. Combining his engineering background with an entrepreneurial mindset, Daniel is determined to lower barriers to blockchain participation. Ezeebit empowers businesses and individuals to accept cryptocurrencies for goods and services, broadening access to financial tools and fostering more inclusive economies. Daniel’s ultimate goal is to drive financial inclusion for everyone, making it simpler and safer to transact, remit, transfer, or store value—ensuring global economic empowerment.

Sasha Boerma

Commercial Director - Africa Split the Pot

Sasha Boerma

Commercial Director - Africa

About the speaker

With over 20 years of digital marketing experience, Sasha made an entrance into the iGaming space by heading operations and affiliation of an online casino. Her love, passion and expertise for the iGaming industry was soon noticed, being invited to speak on various panels and awarded the prestigious BigAfrica Rising Star Award in 2024. With South Africa not only being one of the key emerging markets in iGaming, but also Sasha’s home, it naturally became her key focus, enrolling into a post graduate program specialising in the need to localising content in iGaming. Her experience across the board makes her an influential speaker and participant.

Portia Diteko

Responsible Gambling Manager Gambling Authority of Botswana

Portia Diteko

Responsible Gambling Manager

About the speaker

Portia Gaone Diteko is the Responsible Gambling Manager of the Gambling Authority of Botswana, a state-owned enterprise tasked with the regulation of all gambling activities in Botswana. Portia has completed postgraduate studies in Psychology and Addiction Science. She is accredited by the International Centre for Credentialing and Education of Addiction Professionals (ICCE). She is a wellrounded practioner who boasts of 12 years International and National work experience inpatient and outpatient prevention and rehabilitation of problem behaviors. As the Responsible Gambling Manager at Gambling Authority, Portia’s main focus is on program management, research, awareness, prevention, rehabilitation and recovery of problem and compulsive gambling in Botswana. She strongly believes that when players are given resources to prevent problem gambling, they will be able to enjoy their gambling experience and the stigma that stagnates the growth of the industry will be dispelled. Consequently, the nation will reap benefits of the industry such as revenue collection, reduced mental health problems and value chain creation. She is therefore determined to use her work experience and qualifications to develop policies, strategies and interventions geared towards this believe.

Emiliano Sanchez

CCO Mancala Gaming

Emiliano Sanchez

CCO

About the speaker

Emiliano Sanchez is an experienced iGaming professional with over 16 years in the industry, spanning both B2B and B2C sectors. As Chief Commercial Officer at Mancala Gaming, he leads the company’s commercial strategy, overseeing Sales, Account Management, Marketing, P&L, and Regulatory Advisory. His expertise lies in business development, market expansion, and delivering high-quality gaming content that resonates with both players and operators. Throughout his career, Emiliano has successfully closed high-impact deals worldwide, focusing on multimarket expansion and competition. Under his leadership, Mancala Gaming has strengthened its presence in key markets across the world, ensuring its games stand out in a highly competitive landscape. Before joining Mancala Gaming, Emiliano held leadership roles in VIP management, business development, and strategic operations at top-tier gaming companies. His deep understanding of player engagement, retention strategies, and market trends has made him a key figure in shaping the future of online casino gaming. Passionate about innovation and adaptability, Emiliano focuses on expanding Mancala Gaming’s global footprint while refining product offerings to enhance player experience. He continues to work closely with partners worldwide, driving growth and securing Mancala’s position as a forward-thinking industry leader.

Leonard Soku

General Manager Open Gateway Company

Leonard Soku

General Manager

About the speaker

Leonard is a passionate young man hailing from Ghana who is reputable for providing fintech solutions that enhance the productivity and efficiency of African businesses and for international businesses hoping to expand operations in the African region. Leonard has extensive experience in pan-African payment services, cross-border payments, value-added services, B2B sales and marketing, and project management.

Line Ho Young Peteri

Senior Consultant - Affiliation Exinity

Line Ho Young Peteri

Senior Consultant - Affiliation

About the speaker

Line Peteri is an accomplished entrepreneur and marketing leader with over a decade of experience in online media, entertainment, and fashion, alongside 10 years in performance and affiliate marketing. She co-founded the tech startup Zmags.com, which won the Cosmopolitan Entrepreneur Award, and later launched Roccamore, a high-heel shoe brand that started as a successful Kickstarter project. With a strong background in driving growth and innovation, she has worked across multiple industries, leading strategic marketing and business expansion initiatives. She worked at companies as Entain and WPT. Today, Line represents global trailblazer Exinity, a leading company in the FinTech space, where she continues to shape the future of digital commerce and finance leading the affiliate effort for Nemo.money.

Liliana Almeida

Founder Brand Consort

Liliana Almeida

Founder

About the speaker

Liliana Almeida is an experienced professional specialising in brand growth and strategic sponsorships across multiple industries. Formerly Head of Brand and Corporate Communications at Clever Advertising—one of the largest affiliates in the iGaming sector—she is the founder of Brand Consort, a global consulting firm focused on strategic partnerships, brand activation, sponsorship management, and digital marketing. Liliana continues to forge impactful collaborations and deliver results-driven solutions within the iGaming industry.

Olubiyi Williams

Africa Country Manager Gamingtec

Olubiyi Williams

Africa Country Manager

About the speaker

I specialize in driving business growth by delivering cutting-edge iGaming solutions to operators worldwide. With a deep understanding of turnkey and white-label platforms, I work closely with clients to identify their needs and provide tailored solutions that enhance their operations. I focus on building strong relationships with partners, ensuring they receive the best possible support and guidance throughout their journey with Gamingtec. Passionate about the dynamic iGaming industry, I stay ahead of market trends and emerging technologies to help clients navigate an evolving landscape. My goal is to provide innovative, scalable, and profitable solutions that empower operators to succeed in competitive markets.

Andria Evripidou

Co-Founder & CEO XDA

Andria Evripidou

Co-Founder & CEO

About the speaker

Andria Evripidou is a dynamic force in the fintech landscape, renowned for her transformative contributions to financial services and technology. She began her career as an economic consultant before discovering her passion for innovation, leading her to roles at the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority and the Payment Systems Regulator. This experience gave her valuable insight into payment infrastructures and sparked her drive to modernise financial systems. At Revolut, Andria led global expansion and regulatory initiatives, demonstrating her expertise in navigating complex environments. Her time at Yapily as the Public Policy and Compliance Lead further cemented her reputation as a leader in open banking. In 2021, she became Chief Banking Officer at Xace, driving growth in tailored payment solutions for the gaming and alternative industries. In 2023, Andria launched XDA.io, a platform integrating cryptocurrency and fiat payments for the gaming sector, addressing the need for accessible financial solutions. Throughout her career, Andria has championed financial inclusion, particularly for sectors like e-gaming and the creative industries, with a commitment to challenging the status quo and shaping the future of fintech.

Michael Wright

Executive Head - Growth and International Kazang

Michael Wright

Executive Head - Growth and International

About the speaker

Michael Wright is the Executive Head: Growth and International at Kazang, a leading South African provider of informal market payment solutions. With a career spanning fintech, value-added services, and international expansion, Michael is passionate about driving financial inclusion and empowering small businesses across Africa. At Kazang, he leads the charge in expanding product offerings, enhancing marketing strategies, and growing the company’s footprint beyond South Africa. His expertise lies in developing innovative Value-Added Services (VAS) that bring essential financial and digital solutions to underserved communities.

Renzo Harmse

Head of Growth Bizcuits and Bizcuits Cre8iv

Renzo Harmse

Head of Growth

About the speaker

Renzo born and bred in South Africa and currently living in Spain is a dynamic and results-driven business leader with over 15 years of diverse experience in marketing and business growth across international markets. Renowned for his innovative approach to problem-solving and strategic vision, Renzo has built a reputation for driving sustainable growth and leading high-performing teams in competitive global environments. With a passion for developing and executing effective growth strategies, his mission is empowering individuals and teams to unlock their full potential. A natural relationship-builder, with a proven track record of fostering strong partnerships that drive collaboration and long-term success in international markets. His expertise spans multiple sectors, including Financial Services, FinTech, MarTech, and more, making him a valuable asset for businesses seeking global expansion and market penetration.

Momo Alhassan

Head of Business Development Black Lagoon Games

Momo Alhassan

Head of Business Development

About the speaker

Momo Alhassan is the Head of Business Development at Black Lagoon Games. Some of Momo's key achievements include the introduction of interactive games tailored to the markets covered by Black Lagoon Games, such as the African, LATAM, and CIS markets. Momo has also created a family of games, including Fire Win Games, Simple Games, Masters of Luck, Special Crash Games, and Spinner Games. Furthermore, Momo has been instrumental in building a team that is both sustainable and innovative, addressing the future demands of the markets. They have ensured integration with all tier-1 operators, platforms, and aggregators. In their free time, Momo enjoys football, boxing, and watching documentaries on the environment and nature.

Jude Frederick

Director of Business Development CryptoChill

Jude Frederick

Director of Business Development

About the speaker

Jude Frederick is the Director of Business Development at CryptoChill, one of over 40 portfolio companies backed by the family office investment team at Deus X Capital. Jude began his traditional finance (TradFi) career in fixed income derivatives, working for Wall Street brokerage houses such as Merrill Lynch BOA, UBS, and several boutique firms, where they traded German yield curve futures on European exchanges like Eurex and LIFFE. In 2022, Jude transitioned to decentralized finance (DeFi) as the VP of Institutional Sales for a leading crypto credit provider, launching a crypto prime brokerage offering. Jude also advises Azzilon/Invess, a quant team focused on developing systematic multi-asset class strategies for Tier 1 TradFi and DeFi institutional investors. Currently, they are working on yield-bearing stablecoins for a treasury management offering.

Rhurshail Ramhurry

CEO & Founder W 3 O L A B S

Rhurshail Ramhurry

CEO & Founder

About the speaker

Rhurshail Ramhurry is the Founder and CEO of W 3 O L A B S, driving Web3 innovation and ecosystem development across Africa. With a strong background in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and entrepreneurship, he applies a strategic lens to blockchain adoption. Rhurshail collaborates with blockchains, venture capitalists, and governments to integrate decentralized technologies that solve real-world challenges. Through W 3 O L A B S, he is building the infrastructure and networks needed to empower founders, educate industries, and run incubator programs that address critical issues such as education, employment, and access to capital for African entrepreneurs.

Olafadeke Akeju

Managing Partner WYS Solicitors

Olafadeke Akeju

Managing Partner

About the speaker

Ms. Akeju is a renowned legal, regulatory, and jurisdictional expert with close to two decades experience in entertainment and gaming law, corporate and transactional law, governance, and regulatory compliance. She has built a reputation as a pioneering force in Africa’s gaming industry, with expertise spanning licensing, data privacy & governance, regulatory analysis, and compliance. Her career took a defining turn as the first woman in the Nigerian gaming industry, when she was appointed Board Secretary/Legal Adviser at the Lagos State Lotteries Board. In this role, she redefined Nigeria’s gaming regulatory space. In 2016, she transitioned into private practice at WYS Solicitors, Nigeria’s first specialized gaming law firm, where she provides policy advocacy, regulatory advisory, licencing and compliance solutions to gaming stakeholders. Ms. Akeju’s impact is widely recognized — she was named among the top 50 most influential women in gaming in Africa by iGaming Afrika. A sought-after speaker, thought leader, and panellist at high-profile international gaming conferences, Ms. Akeju continues to drive transformative change in Africa’s gaming legal landscape.

Jarryd Jensen

Regional Director - Southern Africa Sumsub

Jarryd Jensen

Regional Director - Southern Africa

About the speaker

Jarryd Jensen is the Regional Director for Southern Africa at Sumsub, a global leader in verification and compliance solutions. With over 15 years of experience in tech and software solutions, he specialises in business expansion, compliance, and fraud prevention across high-risk industries like iGaming and Fintech. At Sumsub, Jarryd helps operators navigate KYC, AML, and responsible gaming requirements, ensuring seamless onboarding while mitigating fraud and regulatory risks. His expertise lies in aligning compliance with commercial growth, enabling businesses to scale while staying ahead of evolving regulations. As a key player in Africa’s iGaming ecosystem, Jarryd actively collaborates with stakeholders to tackle regulatory challenges, payment security, and player verification across diverse markets.

Martin Sack

Director Brainstorm Online

Martin Sack

Director

About the speaker

Martin Sack is a highly respected leader in the online gaming industry, with over two decades of experience in digital gaming, sportsbook management, and business development. As the Director of Brainstorm Online, he specializes in helping operators optimize their online casino and sports betting businesses, guiding companies through licensing, regulatory compliance, and market entry strategies across multiple jurisdictions. . He has played a pivotal role in building online gaming businesses for major operators in South Africa, Europe, and Latin America, leveraging his expertise in marketing, affiliate acquisition, and operational efficiency. . A sought-after consultant, Martin brings deep insights into revenue optimization, player retention, and regulatory strategy. With a track record of driving profitability and innovation in the online gaming space, Martin continues to shape the future of digital betting through strategic consultancy and industry leadership.

John Maylam

Founder & CEO J50 Ventures

John Maylam

Founder & CEO

About the speaker

Founder, Game Theorist, Poker Player, Chess Player, Crypto Enthusiast, Former JPMorgan Trader, Former Sports Writer.

John Kamau

Founder & Managing Director BetConsult Africa

John Kamau

Founder & Managing Director

About the speaker

John Kamau is the Founder and Managing Director of BetConsult Africa, a premier consultancy firm specializing in sports betting analytics, regulatory compliance, and market strategy. With extensive experience in the industry, he has been instrumental in guiding betting operators, investors, and regulators in navigating Africa’s dynamic gaming landscape. Under his leadership, BetConsult Africa has developed innovative solutions that enhance operational efficiency, ensure compliance with evolving legal frameworks, and promote responsible gaming. John is a thought leader in the sector, frequently engaging in discussions on the future of sports betting, emerging technologies, and market trends. His commitment to ethical business practices and industry growth has made him a trusted advisor for stakeholders across the continent.

Alec Gehlot

Solutions Engineer Optimove

Alec Gehlot

Solutions Engineer

About the speaker

Alec is an award-winning Solutions Engineer and a prominent thought leader on Optimove’s LinkedIn channel, shaping the future of AI-driven marketing. He collaborates with industry giants such as Stake, Bet365, and Entain, leading high-impact technical discussions that accelerate AI adoption in marketing automation and analytics within the iGaming sector. Beyond iGaming, Alec has successfully applied his skills to the e-commerce space, working with renowned brands like Sephora, SpaceNK, and SodaStream, further demonstrating his ability to maximise customer retention across industries.

Daniel Lyons

Senior Business Development Manager Genius Sports

Daniel Lyons

Senior Business Development Manager

About the speaker

With over 6 years experience at Genius Sports in the media and advertising space, Daniel Lyons works with dozens of sportsbooks across Africa and ROW to drive growth and aid their Performance marketing and advertising portfolio in a more relevant, profitable and efficient way. Daniel has played a pivotal part in Genius Sports’ growth in Africa and works closely with Africa’s biggest brands . Genius Sports' highly localised and customisable product offering includes a personalised and data driven marketing suite, pre-match and live odds, data, risk management, streaming and same-game acca services.

Artur Harutyunyan

CEO BetFounders

Artur Harutyunyan

CEO

About the speaker

Artur Harutyunyan is the Founder and CEO of BetFounders LLC, a dynamic company that provides innovative solutions in the iGaming industry. Under his leadership, BetFounders has developed cutting-edge platforms that enhance user acquisition, engagement, and monetization strategies for gaming businesses. With a strong background in business development and digital strategy, Artur has successfully launched and managed multiple ventures, expanding operations across international markets. At BetFounders, Artur focuses on leveraging advanced technologies, user experience optimization, and data analytics to create sustainable and profitable gaming ecosystems. His leadership philosophy revolves around fostering collaboration, driving innovation, and delivering exceptional customer experiences. A certified digital marketing expert, Artur continuously explores new opportunities to push boundaries in the gaming sector. He is passionate about sharing insights on business scaling, customer engagement, and the future of digital gaming at industry events worldwide. Artur holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and IT Project Management from Yerevan State University and is a certified expert in digital marketing and ad technologies.

Vadim Sterlin

CEO AdsGram

Vadim Sterlin

CEO

About the speaker

Vadim is the CEO & Founder of AdsGram, the largest in-app advertising network in the Telegram ecosystem. An AdTech expert with experience at companies like Yandex, he has also launched several startups in the Telegram gaming space, including Fanton—a fantasy sports game for the Telegram community.

Cameron Green

Founder F9 Media Group

Cameron Green

Founder

About the speaker

Cameron Green is a Gaming Consultant with F9 Media Group with almost 25 years of experience in the gaming industry. He has worked with some of the top tier operators in the gaming industry including Fortune Lounge, Carmen Media, Spin Group, Betway, Moja Group, World Sports Betting and others. He currently works in Africa, consulting for sports betting, lotto and casino operators.

Brenton Naicker

Principal & Head of Growth (Africa) CV VC

Brenton Naicker

Principal & Head of Growth (Africa)

About the speaker

Brenton Naicker is a venture capital investor, founder, and startup advisor, leading Africa’s top blockchain-focused VC fund and accelerator. A former Binance Africa leader, he drove expansion across Sub-Saharan, East, and Francophone Africa. He’s played a key role in blockchain adoption, contributing to regulatory initiatives like IFWG, SANBA, and CAASA. Passionate about scaling African startups, he mentors and invests in founders building impactful solutions.

H.E. Dennis Vella

Non-resident Ambassador of Malta to South Africa

H.E. Dennis Vella

Non-resident Ambassador of Malta to South Africa

About the speaker

HE the non-resident Ambassador of Malta to South Africa has over 40 years’ experience in international trade and business development with a long career in international trade promotion at Malta Enterprise. He has also been involved in project management of a number of public projects and currently is the CEO of a public agency responsible for the upkeep of the open spaces and promenades at the tourism areas in Malta. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Malta. He is also a visiting lecturer at the Mediterranean Academy for Diplomatic Studies (MEDAC) for the Master students following a Degree in Diplomacy at the University of Malta.

Ekaterina Mayorova

Senior Sales Manager Pandascore

Ekaterina Mayorova

Senior Sales Manager

About the speaker

Ekaterina Mayorova is a passionate professional with over 14 years of experience in the iGaming, fintech, and esports sectors. Her career journey began in IT, where she worked in Sales and Account Management, building strong relationships with iGaming clients. Ekaterina spent 5.5 years at Microsoft in Malta, managing iGaming clients and their IT systems, before transitioning into the iGaming industry. She later worked in fintech for iGaming at Trustly and now brings her expertise to Pandascore, an esports data company. In her current role, Ekaterina specializes in esports data solutions, integrating technology into the fast-growing world of esports betting and data-driven insights. Her work at Pandascore has allowed her to work closely with the esports community, focusing on enhancing the esports betting experience. Ekaterina thrives on connecting with people from diverse backgrounds and believes in empowering others, especially women, to pursue their passions and succeed in the tech, iGaming, and esports sectors. She's excited to continue growing and contributing to the future of the industry.

James Vos

Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth

James Vos

Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth

About the speaker

Alderman James Vos serves as Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, driving initiatives across tourism, trade and investment, property transactions, and strategic assets. Appointed by the Mayor, he is dedicated to making Cape Town a premier destination to work, visit, and live. With 25 years of public service experience, James has held leadership roles as a Ward Councillor, Member of Parliament, and Shadow Minister of Tourism, making him one of the youngest ever to earn the title of Alderman. His dedication to economic development and civic leadership earned him the prestigious International Merit Award. As part of the Mayoral Priority Programme, James led the development of Cape Town’s Ease of Doing Business Index, cutting red tape through ten strategic indicators that make it easier for entrepreneurs and businesses to thrive. He also spearheaded Jobs Connect, an initiative that bridges the gap between job seekers and employment opportunities through targeted training and recruitment. Leading an exceptional team of officials in his Directorate, James works closely with organisations such as Wesgro and Cape Town Tourism to expand flight connectivity, boost tourism, and open global markets for local enterprises. Beyond his official duties, James is passionate about establishing Cape Town as Africa’s leading business hub, driving job creation, attracting investment, and securing a prosperous future for its residents. When not driving economic growth, he enjoys exploring Cape Town’s scenic outdoors with his wife and two young daughters.

Jaguar-Adva Gal

CEO Jaguar Reg&Comp

Jaguar-Adva Gal

CEO

About the speaker

Jaguar Lawyers Firm leads international business law consulting, including building companies contractual structure, international licensing, regulatory compliance, and court litigation, as well as legal financial arbitration. The firm's focus sectors are high-tech companies and investors, startups - computer law, internet and apps, and cyber law – Data Privacy and information systems. Jagar Lawyers Firm has accumulated years of knowledge accompanied by Hi Tech exits, stock Offerings, Mergers and Acquisitions, being internationally renowned in Blockchain and Crypto (virtual currency), Trading and Forex, Gaming and Gambling, as well as licensing business activities of Medical Cannabis. JAGuar Lawyers' CEO is Jaguar Adva Gal, Adv. CPA, a 1996 top Hebrew University graduate. JAG has spent years managing international strategic investments in startups, wide-ranging investment and portfolio management for the world's largest venture capital fund - Intel Capital, And led exits in several companies, including publicly traded in NASDAQ.

Bart Jongsma

CEO Sportivo

Bart Jongsma

CEO

About the speaker

Bart Jongsma is the visionary CEO of Sportivo, a cutting-edge sports technology company dedicated to revolutionizing amateur and school sports through data-driven insights, video analysis, and streamlined management solutions. With a passion for elevating grassroots sports to professional standards, Bart has spearheaded Sportivo’s growth into a leading platform for player development, performance tracking, and competition management. Under his leadership, Sportivo has partnered with schools, sports organizations, and governing bodies to enhance player and team performance through advanced analytics and seamless digital integration. Bart’s long-term vision is to create lasting and widely used sports technology that empowers athletes, coaches, and organizations while fostering a culture of growth, opportunity, and innovation. Beyond his role at Sportivo, Bart is committed to building meaningful work environments where teams are passionate about their mission and can thrive both professionally and personally. His strategic mindset, entrepreneurial spirit, and dedication to sports technology continue to drive Sportivo’s success and impact on the global sports community.

Kwesi Hayford

President Esports Association - Ghana

Kwesi Hayford

President

About the speaker

Kwesi Hayford is a dynamic Esports Advocate, a visionary Creative Designer, and a fervent enthusiast of Digital Media. With a deep-seated passion for youth culture, technology, and education, he dedicates his efforts to inspiring and empowering young individuals to forge their own paths through the realm of Esports. Kwesi holds the distinguished position of President at the Esports Association, Ghana, and stands as the visionary Founder behind initiatives such as PlayArena, KiddieEsports, and Ruutz Esports. His unwavering commitment to the industry is driving a new wave of innovation and opportunities for the Africa gaming community. He serves as the Chairman for the Technical Committee for the African Confederation of Digital Sports (ACDS); An African Continental Body for the development for Esports. In Kwesi's own words, "I am dedicated to seeking innovations that drive growth, business, and career opportunities for our youth, where Esports serves as a pivotal tool in creating social and economic prospects for Africa." –K. Hayford.

Apollo Eric

CEO Bitlipa

Apollo Eric

CEO

About the speaker

Apollo Eric is a technologist, entrepreneur, speaker, and mentor from Nairobi, Kenya. He is the founder of Point50 Capital and BitLipa, two crypto exchange platforms democratizing capital access for Africa’s 65 million MSMEs (micro, small, and medium enterprises). With 80% of businesses and 90% of jobs in Africa’s informal sector, Apollo is on a mission to bridge the financing gap. Guided by his belief that hope is the most powerful currency—which he defines as Hanging On to Positive Expectation—Apollo has seen firsthand how cryptocurrency-backed financing has empowered 66,000+ unbanked businesses, offering families stability and a future. Inspired by personal experiences of financial exclusion, Apollo combined his background in biotechnology, IT, Forex trading, and bitcoin trading to launch Point50 Capital and later BitLipa—a Polygon-powered platform providing MSMEs access to working capital without credit history. Through low-cost USDC lending pools, investors (primarily from the USA) fund African entrepreneurs in real-time. Apollo is now developing alternative credit scoring tools, tokenizing real-world assets, and bringing street-corner transaction data on-chain. For MSME funding, investment opportunities, or media inquiries, visit BitLipa.com or contact Apollo at [email protected].

Nosipho Nausca-Jean Jezile

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of South Africa to the Italian Republic

Nosipho Nausca-Jean Jezile

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of South Africa to the Italian Republic

About the speaker

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of South Africa to the Italian Republic, Non-Resident Ambassador to Albania, Malta, and San Marino. She is South Africa’s Permanent Representative to the three UN Agencies based in Rome and several other international organisations in Italy. Current Chairperson of the Committee on World Food Security and Vice Chairperson to FAO Programme Committee and recently President of UNIDROIT General Assembly until December 2023. As former Director General, Department of Environmental Affairs, Ms Jezile took lead in public administration and policy making, initiating the domestication of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, promoting initiatives for girls and youth empowerment. Under her leadership South Africa enabled inclusive participation of non-governmental bodies. She encouraged the use of international financing mechanisms for valuing eco system services and climate action and led South Africa to adopt the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable development. As Non-Resident High Commissioner to Malta, Ambassador Jezile has been facilitating and strengthening bilateral cooperation between South Africa and Malta, for which the relevance of the SiGMA event represents a unique stage to promote the hosting of mutually beneficial events to showcase world class facilities at mother city venues in Cape Town.

Peter Mbugi

CEO Betting Control and Licensing Board of Kenya

Peter Mbugi

CEO

About the speaker

Mr. Peter Mbugi is the CEO of the Betting Control and Licensing Board of Kenya, a government agency established under the Lotteries and Gaming Act to regulate, license, and oversee gambling activities in Kenya. With a strong commitment to regulatory excellence, Mr. Mbugi has been instrumental in shaping Kenya’s gambling industry, leading initiatives aimed at enhancing regulatory oversight, combating illegal gambling and promoting responsible gaming. Beyond Kenya, Mr. Mbugi is actively involved in the development and harmonization of African gambling standards in collaboration with the African Organisation for Standardisation and gambling regulators across the continent.

Dr Fredrick Mbasi

Deputy Director Betting Control and Licensing Board of Kenya

Dr Fredrick Mbasi

Deputy Director

About the speaker

Natalie Barlow

Director - Africa Schaechter Sports Global

Natalie Barlow

Director - Africa

About the speaker

Director of Africa for Schäechter Sports. Schäechter Sports is a 360 global football agency, dedicated to creating global opportunities through innovative integration of sports, culture and business. Natalie Barlow’s current role is to allow to bridge the gap between local and international football, fostering relationships that benefit both the sport and the local community. Natalie is also responsible for the project, brand and marketing management of the pro clubs and international brands in South Africa and Africa. Natalie’s previous role at LALIGA Southern Africa, was to support the growth of the popular professional Spanish football league on the African continent. Her responsibilities at LALIGA include servicing LALIGA’s current and prospective commercial partners, as well as finding partners interested in supporting LALIGA’s objective of using its global influence to tangibly support the growth and development of African football, from grassroots level through to all spheres of the game. Natalie Barlow played a crucial role in establishing and expanding Cape Town City FC's marketing presence from the club's inception in 2016. Her leadership and innovative strategies helped the club build a solid fanbase and brand recognition within the Premier Soccer League (PSL). Natalie played a key role in the growth of Cape Town City Football Club under the guidance of the Chairman, where she received the Chairmans Award at the club’s inaugural season. In addition to her impressive work at the club level, Natalie Barlow is a trailblazer in football management, being the first African woman to graduate from the UEFA Academy Certificate in Football Management (CFM) programme and becoming a Board Member for the UEFA Academy Alumni Association. This accomplishment not only highlights her dedication to professional growth but also her commitment to bringing advanced knowledge and best practices to South Africa's football landscape. Natalie Barlow’s contributions to sports extend beyond her professional roles. She is deeply passionate about mentoring young girls in football and promoting women's leadership in sports. Her involvement in various local and international projects and her efforts to enhance the visibility and opportunities for women in sports further solidify her impact on the industry. Natalie believes in the importance of creating pathways for the next generation.

Hayley Joseph

Director of Emerging Markets IGP

Hayley Joseph

Director of Emerging Markets

About the speaker