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World Sports Bodies raise Concern Over Kenya Copyright Bill

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Kenya’s 2019 Copyright Amendment Bill, incorporates principles from the WIPO Internet Treaties of 1996, aimed at preventing unauthorised access to and use of creative works

A coalition of global sports bodies has written an open letter to the Kenyan government, expressing concern about the Copyright Amendment Bill currently before parliament, and its potential impact on the availability of international sports content in Kenya.

The Sports Rights Owner Coalition (SROC) is an alliance of more than 50 international and national sport bodies, representing some of the world’s leading sport codes and competitions – including the English Premier League, the FA Cup, Wimbledon, MotoGP, and the Rugby World Cup.

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In the recent letter, signed by Chairman Mark Lichtenstein, the SROC says its members are “extremely concerned” at changes that will be made to Kenya’s Copyright Act if the Copyright Amendment Bill becomes law.

The SROC is particularly worried about proposals to repeal sections 35B, 35C and 35D of the Copyright Act, which allow for take-down notices issued to internet-based service provider platforms which enable content piracy to flourish.

A take-down notice is a widely used remedy employed by copyright owners worldwide, compelling online platforms to rapidly remove content from their websites if it is suspected that the content infringes copyright.

The Kenya Copyright Board (KeCOBO) champion of the Partners Against Piracy (PAP) initiative, has come out in support of the SROC letter.

“Take-down notices are a critical tool for copyright holders and related rights holders to fight digital content piracy by controlling the distribution and economic viability of their work and how it is accessed online,” says Edward Sigei, KeCOBO Executive Director.

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“Across the world, they help to safeguard the intellectual property rights of sports rights owners. If rights owners cannot request that pirated sports content is taken down immediately, that will threaten the future of live sports broadcasts in Kenya. Why would international sports media allow sports broadcasts in Kenya, if they have no way of stopping them from being pirated!”

Kenya’s 2019 Copyright Amendment Bill, incorporates principles from the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) Internet Treaties of 1996, aimed at preventing unauthorised access to and use of creative works. Takedown notices are among these principles and are necessary tools to enforce copyright protections for rights owners and distributors.

If the Amendment Bill is passed into law, Kenya will be out of step with global trends, the average Kenyan will lose out on great sports entertainment. A further negative consequence of this Amendment Bill passing would be the reputational and economic investment quagmire it would create is jeopardising Kenya’s ability to renew participation in the Africa Growth and Opportunity Agreement (AGOA) program, as one of the additional provisions of renewal requires a demonstrated commitment to copyright protection as a prerequisite to signing. Repealing section 35 of the Copyright Act, would do the exact opposite and threaten investor confidence.

The SROC points out that in Europe, policy makers are strengthening not weakening the effectiveness of take-down notices, particularly regarding live content. New proposals to protect live content more effectively in Europe are expected in the first half of 2022.

“Were the Copyright Amendment Bill to be enacted, it could have devastating consequences for both the Kenyan economy and Kenyan consumers,” says the SROC letter. “Rights holders from sport and other creative industries are extremely unlikely to license their content in a jurisdiction that effectively legitimises piracy. Consumers would therefore be deprived from watching their favourite sports and television shows, and leave Kenya isolated on the global copyright stage.”

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The coalition – which includes the English FA, UEFA, the IAAF, and the International Tennis Federation – goes on to ask that the proposed new law be urgently reconsidered “so as not to harm Kenyan consumers and threaten the availability of sports and entertainment content in Kenya.”

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Africa

7777 gaming partners with WA.Technology to strengthen presence in Africa and Latin America

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7777 gaming has announced an exciting partnership with WA.Technology to expand its footprint across emerging markets in Africa and Latin America. This collaboration combines 7777 gaming’s extensive portfolio of innovative online casino games with WA.Technology’s comprehensive iGaming solutions, tailored to the specific needs of operators in these regions.

WA.Technology is a full-spectrum iGaming provider that offers online casinos, sportsbooks, fantasy sports, and affiliate business solutions. Its expertise spans turnkey solutions and individual products, empowering operators to launch or scale their businesses efficiently in emerging markets.

Elena Shaterova, Chief Commercial Officer at 7777 gaming, said: “The collaboration with WA.Technology is a pivotal step in our expansion strategy for Africa and Latin America. By joining forces with a provider as versatile and innovative as WA.Technology, we aim to deliver premium gaming experiences to operators and players in these growing markets. Together, we’re shaping the future of iGaming in these regions.”

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Laura Festen, Director of Casino at WA Technology, highlighted the partnership’s value: “7777 gaming enables operators to launch and scale effectively in competitive global markets by catering to a broad player base with quirky, original concepts. The studio creates captivating and reliable content, positioning it as a versatile choice for operators aiming to expand player engagement. Thus, we are extremely excited about the newly formed partnership.”

7777 gaming’s portfolio includes over 150 titles, spanning multiple genres and formats, designed to deliver diverse and immersive gaming experiences. From fan-favorite slots like Candy Anyways and Medusa The Wild Temple to instant-win games like Mayan Gold and classic table games like European Roulette and Blackjack, the company’s offerings cater to players with varied preferences. All games are supported by HTML5 cross-platform technology, ensuring seamless gameplay across desktop and mobile devices.

The partnership promises to unlock new opportunities for operators in Africa and Latin America, offering them cutting-edge games and technology designed to enhance player experiences and drive growth.

The post 7777 gaming partners with WA.Technology to strengthen presence in Africa and Latin America appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Africa

SCCG Management Partners with iGC Africa

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SCCG Management, a global leader in gaming advisory and consulting, has partnered with iGC Africa to launch the continent’s most significant gaming summit.

This landmark event, taking place from May 26-29, 2025, at the Marrakesh Parc Expo, Circuit International de Marrakesh, Morocco, will bring together industry leaders, innovators and key stakeholders from across the globe. The iGC Africa 2025 Summit is set to be the premier gathering for gaming operators, affiliates, suppliers, investors and media professionals, offering unparalleled networking opportunities and insights into Africa’s rapidly growing iGaming sector.

With over 12,000 attendees, more than 100 speakers, over 400 exhibitors and upwards of 20 networking events spread across 15,000+ square meters, this event will serve as a catalyst for growth and innovation in the African gaming industry.

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“iGC Africa 2025 is not just another gaming summit—it’s a movement to open Africa’s iGaming sector to the world. By breaking down barriers and fostering meaningful collaborations, we are creating a future where Africa is a key player in the global gaming industry. This partnership with SCCG Management brings unparalleled expertise to the table, ensuring that this event delivers unmatched value to all participants,” Alexandra Cernescu, Founder & CEO of iGC Africa, said.

“The African gaming market is one of the most dynamic and rapidly growing sectors in the world. Our partnership with iGC Africa is a testament to our commitment to supporting operators, technology providers, and investors in unlocking the vast potential of this region. By leveraging our extensive expertise and global network, we are dedicated to making iGC Africa 2025 the most impactful gaming summit the continent has ever seen,” Stephen Crystal, Founder & CEO of SCCG Management, said.

The post SCCG Management Partners with iGC Africa appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Africa

SOFTSWISS Set to ‘Grab Success’ at SiGMA Africa 2025

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SOFTSWISS, a global expert with over 15 years of experience in developing innovative iGaming solutions, announces its participation in SiGMA Africa, which will take place in Cape Town on 10–12 March 2025.

SOFTSWISS is bringing its award-winning ‘Grab Success’ creative concept to the expo. This time, it will be visually adapted specifically for the African market, celebrating the continent’s rich heritage and the company’s commitment to empowering operators with the best iGaming solutions.

Olga Resiga, Chief Business Development Officer at SOFTSWISS, commented: “We’re excited to bring our ‘Grab Success’ concept to Africa, showing our dedication to innovation and delivering market-specific solutions. With the massive potential of this fast-growing market, now is the perfect time to explore fresh iGaming collaborations. We are looking forward to engaging with new partners, building meaningful connections, and demonstrating how SOFTSWISS can help enrich the future of iGaming in South Africa.”

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Participation in SiGMA Africa 2025 continues SOFTSWISS’ expansion in the South African market. Last year, the company acquired a majority stake in Turfsport, a leading local provider of multichannel wagering software. This partnership resulted in three new product launches in 2024: the Lotto Software, the Retail Betting Solution, and a Horse Racing module integrated into the SOFTSWISS Sportsbook. These new offerings provide operators with flexible and secure tools to enhance their lottery and betting services.

Christian Neuberger, CEO at Turfsport, added:Our partnership with SOFTSWISS has already shown its tremendous potential through the launch of three new products in 2024. As we continue to work together, we see even bigger opportunities lying ahead. SiGMA Africa will be a great platform to showcase what our collaboration can offer operators in the region.”

Additionally, SOFTSWISS recently released its 2024 iGaming Market Overview: South Africa. The report serves as a comprehensive guide for operators looking to enter this market and understand the region’s unique iGaming landscape.

Visitors are invited to schedule a meeting at Stand 56P to meet the SOFTSWISS team and explore the latest solutions designed for operators in the African iGaming market.

 

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About SOFTSWISS

SOFTSWISS is an international technology company with over 15 years of experience developing innovative solutions for the iGaming industry. SOFTSWISS holds a number of gaming licences and provides comprehensive software for managing iGaming projects. The company’s product portfolio includes the Online Casino Platform, the Game Aggregator with over 27,800 casino games, the Affilka Affiliate Platform, the Sportsbook software and the Jackpot Aggregator. In 2013, SOFTSWISS revolutionised the industry by introducing the world’s first Bitcoin-optimised online casino solution. The expert team, based in Malta, Poland, and Georgia, counts over 2,000 employees.

The post SOFTSWISS Set to ‘Grab Success’ at SiGMA Africa 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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