Day 2 at SiGMA Africa 2026 continued to bring together some of the brightest minds in the iGaming and digital technology space. Held in Cape Town from March 3–5, 2026, the event gathered operators, affiliates, tech providers, and decision-makers from across the globe to explore Africa’s fast-growing market.
At the Nook Talks podcast, Jeremy Castillo sat down with Michael Edwards, Co-founder and CTO of ConnectBET. The conversation offered a simple yet insightful look into the industry—from technology and data to market growth and future opportunities.
Meet Michael Edwards: A Tech Leader in iGaming
Michael Edwards is the CTO and Co-founder of ConnectBET, a B2B consulting platform working closely with companies in South Africa. His role focuses on overseeing systems, software development, and data science solutions.
ConnectBET works with some of the major players in the region, helping them build better systems, improve performance, and scale their operations. From software development to advanced data consulting, Michael’s work sits at the intersection of technology and business growth.
His role highlights how important tech leadership has become in iGaming today. It’s no longer just about operations—it’s about data, automation, and smart systems that drive results.
A Familiar Face at SiGMA
Unlike many first-time attendees, Michael is no stranger to SiGMA Africa. He has been attending the event regularly, and this year was no different.
When asked about his experience in 2026, his response was clear—it was a great year.
He pointed out that there were many new faces and fresh ideas on the floor. For him, events like SiGMA are not just about networking but about discovering what’s new in the industry.
Interestingly, both Jeremy and Michael agreed on one thing—the size of the event actually works in its favor.
Compared to larger conferences in Europe, SiGMA Africa feels more focused and personal. Conversations are deeper, connections are stronger, and there is less chaos. This creates a better environment for meaningful business discussions.
Why Smaller Events Create Bigger Impact
One of the key takeaways from the conversation was the value of “intimate” events.
Michael explained that in larger conferences, it’s easy to get lost in the crowd. There’s too much noise, too many people, and not enough time to build real connections.
But in Cape Town, the environment is different.
The pace is calmer, the setting is more relaxed, and people are more open to genuine conversations. This allows professionals to focus on what really matters—building relationships and exploring opportunities.
And of course, being in Cape Town adds to the experience. Known for its natural beauty and vibrant culture, the city plays a big role in making the event memorable.
The Future of iGaming in Africa
When asked about the future of the iGaming industry, Michael’s answer was simple—growth.
From his perspective, the African market is expanding rapidly year after year. Revenue numbers and market performance clearly show that the industry is moving in a strong upward direction.
This aligns with broader industry trends. Events like SiGMA Africa are built around this growth, bringing together stakeholders to explore opportunities in regulation, payments, and digital innovation.
Michael shared that he is extremely optimistic about the future. His company is already working on multiple projects, and the demand for consulting and technology solutions continues to rise.
For him, this is just the beginning.
A Journey Rooted in Passion
Michael’s journey into iGaming is both unique and inspiring.
He shared that his exposure to the industry started at a very young age. His father worked in land-based casinos, and Michael often accompanied him, interacting with customers and observing how the business worked.
This early exposure gave him a strong foundation in the industry.
Later, he discovered his passion for mathematics and data. He taught himself Python and began exploring how technology could be applied to gaming.
A turning point in his career came when he attended his first industry event in London. Seeing the scale and potential of the iGaming world, he realized that this was the industry he wanted to be part of.
From there, he combined his technical skills with his industry knowledge—and the rest followed.
The Role of Data and Technology
One of the most important aspects of Michael’s work is data science.
In today’s iGaming ecosystem, data plays a critical role. From user behavior to performance tracking, companies rely heavily on data to make decisions.
Michael’s focus on data science consulting shows how the industry is evolving. It’s no longer enough to just operate platforms—companies need to understand their data and use it effectively.
This is where technology leaders like Michael bring real value.
Conferences and What’s Next
Looking ahead, Michael shared that he plans to attend more global events this year.
Some of the conferences on his radar include:
- SBC Lisbon
- Malta events
- Possibly Las Vegas
This highlights the global nature of the iGaming industry. Professionals are constantly moving across regions, building connections, and exploring new markets.
Events like SiGMA Africa serve as a starting point, connecting Africa with the rest of the world.
Africa: A Market Full of Potential
One of the strongest themes from the conversation was Africa’s potential.
The continent is not just growing—it is becoming a key player in the global iGaming ecosystem.
With increasing digital adoption, mobile usage, and evolving regulations, Africa presents a unique opportunity for companies willing to invest and innovate.
As highlighted during the summit, the region is attracting global attention and investment, making it one of the most exciting markets today.
Conclusion: A Future Driven by Growth and Innovation
The conversation between Jeremy Castillo and Michael Edwards offers a clear and optimistic view of the industry.
From his early journey to his current role as a CTO, Michael’s story reflects the evolution of iGaming itself—moving from traditional setups to data-driven, tech-powered ecosystems.
His insights reinforce a key message:
Africa is growing, technology is leading, and the future looks promising.
As SiGMA Africa 2026 continues to bring together global leaders and innovators, conversations like these highlight why the event matters.
It’s not just about networking—it’s about understanding where the industry is headed and being part of that journey.
