Tekkorp Capital has its sights set on Africa, and it’s not just for the safaris or the sunsets. The global betting and gaming investment fund is making moves to tap into what it sees as one of the most promising growth markets in the world: Africa’s burgeoning gambling space. With a vision to become a major player in the region, Tekkorp is actively seeking locally-led businesses that could be transformed into regional powerhouses.
Africa, with its fast-growing economies and increasing digital adoption, has caught Tekkorp’s eye as a high-growth market ripe for investment. In fact, the company believes that Africa offers some of the most exciting opportunities in the gambling industry today. It’s a land of opportunity, and Tekkorp is ready to help bring out the potential in businesses that are hungry for success. The goal? Turn promising local enterprises into leaders in their markets and, in the process, spotlight Africa as the next big thing in global gaming.
The company isn’t just interested in throwing money at projects and hoping for the best—it aims to offer full-spectrum support for its investments. According to Tekkorp, they’re in it for the long haul, providing expertise across operational, technical, and strategic matters. This includes everything from product solutions and media partnerships to payments and legal guidance. Essentially, if a business in the African gaming scene needs it, Tekkorp is prepared to bring it to the table.
Matt Davey, Tekkorp’s founder and chairman, is particularly bullish about the potential for rapid growth across the continent. He explained, “This will encourage more operators to enter the space, and that’s why we believe the time is right to get ahead of the coalescing trends and create a balanced portfolio of premium African assets, underpinned by our local expertise, to best capitalise on this profitable opportunity.” In other words, it’s a bet on Africa, and Tekkorp wants to be the one dealing the cards.
Davey made it clear that Tekkorp’s mission isn’t just about investment for the sake of profit—they want to build a “diversified portfolio of high-performing, compliant brands with strong governance, unblocking the barriers to major operators investing with confidence.” The focus is on compliance, governance, and establishing a solid foundation that will allow these brands to flourish in a competitive marketplace.
Leading Tekkorp’s charge into Africa is Conor O’Donovan, who was appointed the firm’s Africa partner. O’Donovan, an associate partner at Tekkorp since March 2023, is stepping into a role that will see him take the helm in Africa. He’ll be identifying new opportunities and putting together an advisory and management team to guide Tekkorp’s investment and operational efforts.
O’Donovan is no stranger to the region—he’s worked within the African gaming sector for several years and is the founder of Tribe54, an investment company focusing on Africa’s payments, fintech, gaming, and gambling industries. His experience includes a stint at NewPlay Group and time with Betyetu Group, which has a presence in East and West Africa’s sports betting scene. Needless to say, he’s well-equipped to understand the complexities of the African market and help navigate the challenges that come with growing businesses in a diverse and rapidly changing landscape.
“Tekkorp, alongside our strategic partners, is well-equipped to navigate these complexities and bring out the potential in strong, locally led businesses,” O’Donovan said. His mission? To turn promising companies into regional leaders, ensuring they’re compliant, high-performing, and governed by best practices, making it easier for major operators to invest with confidence.
Africa’s gaming market is already on the radar for many, but Tekkorp believes the potential is only just beginning to be realised. By stepping in now, Tekkorp is looking to not only benefit from the rapid growth but also help shape the landscape—supporting local businesses, encouraging more players to enter the space, and ultimately turning Africa into a global hotspot for gaming. If Davey and O’Donovan have their way, Africa might just be the next jackpot waiting to happen in the world of gaming investments.
