Africa

Rugby’s global expansion increases in Africa

Published

5 years ago

May 13, 2021

Reading Time: 4 minutes

World Rugby’s reach across Africa grew further as Algeria and Burundi became full members of the international federation

Algeria and Burundi achieve full member status of international federation; World Rugby (www.WorldRugby.org) membership stands at 128 countries, including 19 associate members; Both nations will enter Rugby World Cup 2023 qualifying via the Rugby Africa Cup 2021; Rapid growth in African rugby being led by strategic focus on youth and women’s rugby; More than 350,000 registered female players recorded in Africa in 2020, up from 50,000 in 2012.

World Rugby’s reach across Africa grew further as Algeria and Burundi became full members of the international federation following approval at the World Rugby Council meeting, held virtually today.

The African nations were successful after achieving all the necessary criteria and their elevation to full member status sees World Rugby’s membership stand at 128, including 109 full members and 19 associate members.

See full List of World Rugby Member Unions >> (https://bit.ly/3tE9SRP)

The announcement follows the launch of World Rugby’s new Strategic Plan 2021-25 in April, which provides a framework for the continued development and expansion of rugby, supporting unions and regions in building capacity and capability, as the international federation strives to continue the journey towards becoming a global sport for all.

Both the Fédération Algérienne de Rugby and the Federation Burundaise de Rugby are full members of Rugby Africa and have sustainable women’s rugby and development programmes in place as they continue to grow as rugby nations.

Burundi currently has 2750 registered players and has been an associate member of World Rugby since 2004, while Algeria has over 80 men’s and 40 women’s teams and became an associate member in 2019.

Both countries will enter the qualification journey for Rugby World Cup 2023 as they are set to compete in the Rugby Africa Cup 2021. The competition begins with a repechage event in June before the group phase sees four pools of three teams each playing a round-robin tournament at a single venue per pool.

Burundi will compete in the Rugby Africa Cup repechage in Burkina Faso from 5-13 June which also includes Burkina Faso and Cameroon. The winner of the repechage will join Rugby Africa Cup Pool D in Tunisia in July together with Tunisia and Zimbabwe. Meanwhile Algeria will play in the Rugby Africa Cup Pool C in Kampala against Ghana and hosts Uganda from 10-18 July.

The best two teams from each pool qualify for Rugby Africa Cup 2022, which serves as the final round of the Rugby World Cup 2023 qualifier for Africa. The eventual winner of the Rugby Africa Cup in August 2022 will qualify for RWC 2023 as Africa 1, entering group A alongside hosts France, while the runner-up will enter the final qualification tournament for another chance at qualifying.

Increasing the reach and diversity of the international federation’s membership represents a key element of World Rugby’s global growth strategy, ensuring that upon meeting the relevant criteria unions are provided with a framework and support to continue their growth and development as part of the World Rugby family.

World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said: “We are very pleased to welcome Algeria and Burundi as full members, reflecting their commitment and progress in achieving the relevant criteria, thanks to the many talented coaches, administrators and volunteers involved in growing the sport.

“We are dedicated to the sustainable global growth of our sport, combined with strong governance and there is no doubt that Africa is a key region with huge potential for the future development of rugby. Africa is home to the current men’s Rugby World Cup winners and we will continue to work closely with Rugby Africa to ensure we provide emerging unions such as Algeria and Burundi with continuous support and a solid framework to further accelerate the growth of the sport across the region.”

Mr Khaled Babbou, President of Rugby Africa said: “I am delighted to welcome the Burundian and Algerian rugby unions as full members of World Rugby, bringing the total number of African member unions of World Rugby to 20. Rugby in Africa is growing rapidly and our strategic focus on youth and women’s rugby is evidence of this dynamic growth.

“In 2020, we recorded more than 350,000 registered female players in Africa, up from 50,000 in 2012. This is the result of a firm collective commitment from all African unions. I wish to congratulate Mr Albert Havyarimana, President of the Fédération Burundaise de Rugby and Mr Abdelkader Sofian Ben Hassen, President of the Fédération Algérienne de Rugby for their dedication and relentless efforts culminating in this recognition today. Both countries are in the running for Rugby World Cup 2023 qualification for the first time in their history and the entire African rugby family wishes them good luck in this new chapter.”

Albert Havyarimana, President of the Fédération Burundaise de Rugby: “This affiliation was long awaited by all the participants of Burundian rugby and comes as a reward for many years of hard work. From now on, it becomes a rugby legacy for Burundi, that we will seek to preserve and build upon for the development of rugby. It is an unforgettable event for the Fédération Burundaise de Rugby (FBR). Joining the global rugby family will enable Burundian rugby players to develop rugby on all levels.

“Although this recognition comes at a time when the world is going through a difficult situation with the Covid-19 pandemic, we are confident that we will overcome these challenges. Achieving this membership required great effort from all of us and it will now enable us to accelerate our growth. The FBR takes this opportunity to express its appreciation to all companies and individuals who committed themselves to bringing this journey to fruition, including various players and coaches of the clubs and their technical and medical staff.

“This membership, far from being an end in itself, is rather the beginning of a challenge and calls on all of us to step up our efforts to make Burundi Rugby shine at the regional and international levels.”

Sofiane Abdelkader Benhassen, President of the Fédération Algérienne de Rugby said: “This long-awaited membership of World Rugby as a full member will provide us with support in four main areas. It will allow us to accelerate the growth of the game in the country. Secondly, Algeria is currently ranked sixth in the African rankings, and will now come into the world rankings. We will from now on be able to participate in World Rugby’s General Assemblies and have a voice that counts. And finally, with this membership, Algeria can enter the qualification journey for the Olympic Games and the Men’s and Women’s Sevens and Rugby World Cups. I would like to thank Rugby Africa and its President, Khaled Babbou, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the National Olympic Committee and ACNOA as well as our private partners for their support. And I congratulate all the clubs presidents and founders of Algerian rugby and the entire union staff for their relentless efforts that have led us to this wonderful day.”

Africa

African iGaming Alliance names SPRIBE a Platinum Supplier Member

Published

3 days ago

June 18, 2026

Wladimir P.

african-igaming-alliance-names-spribe-a-platinum-supplier-member

The African iGaming Alliance (AiA) has signed a strategic partnership with iGaming supplier SPRIBE, with SPRIBE joining the pan-African industry association as a Platinum Supplier Member.

AiA said the partnership will focus on regulatory engagement, industry research, responsible gaming initiatives, policy advocacy and stakeholder engagement aimed at strengthening regulated gaming markets across African jurisdictions.

According to AiA, the collaboration will also support efforts to promote effective regulation, combat illegal gambling, improve market channelisation and encourage evidence-based policymaking.

Peter Emolemo Kesitilwe, Chief Executive Officer of the African iGaming Alliance (AiA), said:

“SPRIBE’s decision to join the African iGaming Alliance as a Platinum Supplier Member represents a significant endorsement of our vision for a sustainable and well-regulated African gaming industry. As one of the industry’s leading technology innovators, SPRIBE brings valuable expertise, insight, and global experience that will strengthen our efforts to support regulators, governments, operators, and other stakeholders across the continent. We look forward to working closely together to promote responsible gaming, regulatory best practice, and long-term industry sustainability.”

The post African iGaming Alliance names SPRIBE a Platinum Supplier Member appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Africa

Booming Games signs content deal with World Sports Betting in South Africa

Published

5 days ago

June 16, 2026

Wladimir P.

booming-games-signs-content-deal-with-world-sports-betting-in-south-africa

WSB adds Booming titles including Tasty Bonanza, Cash Pig and the Buffalo series to its casino lobby.

Booming Games has signed a partnership with World Sports Betting (WSB) to roll out a selection of its casino titles on WSB’s platform in South Africa.

Under the agreement, WSB players will gain access to Booming Games content including Tasty Bonanza, Cash Pig and the Buffalo series. Booming Games positioned the deal as part of its wider expansion strategy across Africa.

Ryno Du Plessis, Group Chief Operating Officer at World Sports Betting, said: “We believe that Booming’s portfolio will offer something new and unique to our clients. Titles like Tasty Bonanza, Cash Pig and the popular Buffalo series are sure to be very popular with our player base.”

Solomon Godwin, Head of Africa at Booming Games, added: “We are thrilled to partner with World Sports Betting, a company with an outstanding reputation for delivering premium entertainment to players across the South African market. This collaboration represents an exciting step forward in expanding Booming Games’ reach and ensuring our titles are accessible to even more players in South Africa. We look forward to building a successful long-term relationship and delivering high-quality entertainment to their customers.”

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Africa

Betcamp Announces Siasia, Mighty George as Ambassadors

Published

2 weeks ago

June 11, 2026

Wladimir P.

betcamp-announces-siasia,-mighty-george-as-ambassadors

Nigeria’s latest sports betting brand, Betcamp, has officially unveiled Nigerian football legend, Samson Siasia, and renowned broadcaster, Guinness World Record holder and media personality, Mighty George, as brand ambassadors.

The unveiling ceremony was held at the company’s Abuja headquarters and marks another major milestone for the fast-rising sports betting platform, which officially went live on May 25, 2026.

The appointments reflect Betcamp’s commitment to partnering with personalities who embody excellence, credibility, resilience and innovation, while strengthening its connection with sports fans and entertainment audiences across Nigeria.

Samson Siasia remains one of the most accomplished figures in Nigerian football history. As a player, he was part of Nigeria’s historic 1994 Africa Cup of Nations-winning squad and represented the country at its first-ever FIFA World Cup appearance in the US.

He later distinguished himself as a coach, leading Nigeria’s Flying Eagles to the FIFA U-20 World Cup Final in 2005, winning Olympic Silver in Beijing 2008 and Olympic Bronze in Rio 2016.

Mighty George is one of Nigeria’s most celebrated broadcast personalities. A multiple award-winning journalist and presenter, he is the current Guinness World Record holder for the Longest Talk Show and the penultimate recipient of the Nigerian Presenter of the Year Award. Through his work in broadcasting, live events and sports media, he has built a reputation as one of the country’s most engaging and influential media figures.

As part of the partnership, Mighty George will serve as the official host of “Inside The Camp,” a new podcast powered by Betcamp. The platform will feature engaging conversations with sports icons, entertainers, business leaders and influential personalities, offering audiences unique insights into their lives, careers and experiences.

Speaking after the unveiling, Siasia expressed his excitement at joining the Betcamp family.

“I am excited about this journey and look forward to the growth and success of the brand. I have had the opportunity to closely observe the vision and commitment of the people behind Betcamp, and I can confidently say this is a brand built on integrity, professionalism and innovation. I am proud to be associated with a platform that is committed to serving sports fans and punters across Nigeria.”

Mighty George also expressed delight at the endorsement and the opportunity to contribute to the growth of the brand.

“I am truly excited to be joining Betcamp at such an important stage of its journey. From my interactions with the team, it is clear that this is a brand driven by innovation, integrity and a genuine passion for sports. I am honoured by the confidence reposed in me and look forward to helping build meaningful connections with sports fans across Nigeria while creating engaging and impactful conversations through Inside The Camp.”

Speaking on behalf of the company, Betcamp Lead Strategist, Mr. Ifiok Albert, described the appointments as a significant step in the company’s growth strategy.

“We are delighted to welcome Samson Siasia and Mighty George to the Betcamp family as Brand Ambassadors. Both individuals represent values that align perfectly with our brand — resilience, excellence, discipline, commitment, professionalism and consistency. Their achievements in their respective fields have earned them credibility and respect, making them ideal partners as we continue to build a trusted and innovative sports betting platform.”

He added that the company remains committed to delivering premium sports betting experiences powered by innovation, transparency and customer satisfaction.

Since officially going live on May 25, 2026, Betcamp has continued to establish its presence within Nigeria’s sports ecosystem through a series of fan engagement initiatives and strategic activations. The brand recently hosted a successful football viewing experience in Abuja on May 30 and is set to continue its nationwide engagement drive with activations across key cities.

As part of its expansion plans, Betcamp will also host a major launch event at its Uyo office this month, bringing together sports enthusiasts, stakeholders, partners and members of the public for a celebration of sports, entertainment and innovation.

With the unveiling of Samson Siasia and Mighty George as Brand Ambassadors, alongside the launch of Inside The Camp, Betcamp is positioning itself as more than a sports betting platform. The company aims to become a leading sports and entertainment brand dedicated to engaging fans, celebrating excellence and creating memorable experiences for Nigerians.

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