The atmosphere was buzzing at SiGMA Africa 2025 in beautiful, breezy Cape Town! It was a melting pot of new ideas, big names, and exciting energy for the future of online gaming (iGaming) in Africa.
For a video interview as part of Nooktalks a interview series of Affnook Rahul Pant, grabbed a moment to sit down with a true veteran of the industry: Shantal Chengelrayen, the Operations Manager at EasyGames. EasyGames is a big player, specializing in software development and creating those popular casino games you see online.
Shantal’s experience is remarkable. She’s not only an executive but someone who has lived in and devoted herself to gaming for more than 23 years, starting straight from high school at the age of 18! Talking with Rahul, she shared thought-provoking insights around the evolution of the industry, the relevance of collaboration and connection, and her love for creating pathways for women to thrive in a rapidly evolving space.
A Global Passport to Gaming
For Shantal and EasyGames, being present at major events is non-negotiable. “We love gaming, so we’ll try and make our presence everywhere,” she shared with Rahul.
While this was her third time attending SiGMA Africa, she travels extensively. She regularly attends big international expos like G2E in Las Vegas, ICE in London, and the AGE in Nigeria. For her, these conferences are the lifeblood of staying current in a changing market.
She had nothing but praise for the SiGMA event itself. “SiGMA always hosts great events,” Shantal said. She highlighted how valuable and informative they are because they bring a diverse range of products and options to the table—everything from platforms and game providers to sports betting, horse racing, and even new areas like crypto.
What makes SiGMA stand out, she explained, is its ability to bring the global conversation to Africa. “They pretty much clue us up and try and give us the best of all the worlds… not just Africa, but then they bring it to us.” It’s an easy way for African businesses to see what’s trending internationally.
A Powerhouse of Women in Gaming
One of the most heartwarming parts of the conversation was Shantal’s involvement with the Women in Gaming Africa (WIGMA) community.
She described WIGMA, which was founded by Lois Bright, as a “power-packed powerhouse community.” It’s a group dedicated to empowering women working in the iGaming industry across the continent.
WIGMA had a special reason to celebrate at SiGMA Africa 2025: they were marking their first birthday! Shantal shared that they celebrated the milestone with a fabulous outing to the beautiful wine farms on the Monday of the event.
The celebration was about more than just cake and wine. It was about recognizing how far women have come in gaming, acknowledging their role in evolving the industry, adding significant value, and always being active and responsive to the needs of the sector. For Shantal, WIGMA is crucial for making sure women’s voices are heard and valued.
Shantal’s Simple, Powerful Advice
With over two decades of experience, Rahul asked Shantal for one piece of advice she would give to newcomers, whether they are new operators or just starting out in iGaming.
Her answer was beautifully simple: collaboration over competition.
“The pie is big enough for everybody to share,” she stated clearly. While competition is certainly important, she believes that adding value and getting involved in growing the industry is much more critical.
Shantal stressed that the best results happen when everyone works together. “As soon as we realize that there’s many pieces to the pie and we all work together to grow the industry, the better it would be for everybody. It’s a win-win situation.”
She gave practical examples: game providers help platform providers, operators support each other, and vice versa. “It’s all a give and take,” she summarized. The ultimate goal isn’t just to make money, but to “grow as a nation and entertain the nation.” This focus on shared progress and working amicably (friendly) is the secret to long-term success in the dynamic African market.
A Bright Future
The conversation between Rahul and Shantal was a powerful reminder that the African iGaming industry is being shaped by passionate leaders who value people as much as profit. Shantal Chengelrayen’s journey is a fantastic example of dedicated leadership and her work with WIGMA shows her commitment to making the industry more inclusive.
As the interview concluded, both Rahul and Shantal expressed their hopes to meet again soon, perhaps at ICE or G2E. One thing is certain: with leaders who promote teamwork and empowerment, the future of gaming in Africa looks brighter and more collaborative than ever before.
