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Aaron Shulman Markowitz, Chief Financial Officer of pawaPay, presented a strong argument for cooperative regulation in the fast-expanding gaming and fintech sectors at the Africa Gaming Expo (AGE) 2025 in Lagos.
Speaking to a crowded audience at Eko Hotel from February 25 to 27, Markowitz advised authorities, operators, and IT companies to collaborate. His point of view was clear: while unified frameworks can propel sustainable development, scattered restrictions limit creativity.
A growing market calls for more intelligent rules
Africa’s gaming sector is booming with up to $1 billion expected by 2026 as mobile penetration and digital payments take hold. Markowitz cautioned, meanwhile, that uneven laws between nations, such as Nigeria’s rigorous licensing costs or Kenya’s tax disputes, create challenges for companies seeking growth. “We are seeing amazing potential, yet operators spend more time negotiating legal mazes than creating better services,” He said. Many of the participants nodded in agreement as his statement touched a nerve.
Cooperation Through Violence
Markowitz did not merely finger blame at authorities. He urged businessmen also to get more involved. “We must suggest solutions, as it is not enough to grumble about the policies.” He stated that pawaPay’s initiatives include working with authorities in Ghana and Uganda to simplify mobile money integration for gaming systems.
He pointed out that these alliances had reduced transaction costs by 15% in some markets. The room hummed as operators spoke about possible savings.
Tech as a Bridge Not a Barrier
Leading fintech, pawaPay links gaming operators with mobile payment platforms and manages millions of transactions across Africa. Markowitz stated that if companies and authorities match their objectives, technology can help ease compliance.
He advised imagining a single API allowing operators to report taxes in real time across borders. This is a big concept that might lower fraud and increase openness. A few audience officials furiously scribbled notes, obviously fascinated.
The Dangers of Following It Alone
Markowitz was not slow to acknowledge the harmful effects of inertia. He stated to South Africa, whose disconnected provincial rules restrict the expansion of internet betting even with great demand.
“We run the danger of losing talent and investment to markets like Europe or Asia if we do not cooperate,” He said. His comments landed firmly that Africa cannot afford to lag when world giants already see its unrealized potential.
Sounds from the Ground Up
The session was not a one-man show. A Nigerian operator asked during the Q&A how tiny companies may affect policy without significant finances. Markowitz said pragmatically, “Join forces through trade associations, as your collective voice matters.”
Following up, a Kenyan official acknowledged that capacity issues often delay reforms. Markowitz proposed knowledge-sharing forums, which drew whispers of approbation all around the room.
Plotting A Future
AGE 2025 was about action, not just speeches. Starting with Nigeria, Markowitz revealed PawaPay’s dedication to organizing seminars with operators and authorities in three countries this year. “We will bring ideas, tech, and data. You bring the will to change,” he remarked, getting cheers. Attendees spilled into the hallways, arguing their views over coffee as the session concluded. One could sense the energy Markowitz sparked.
Bold actions like this will determine the future of gaming in Africa. Should Markowitz’s concept take hold, AGE 2025 could be collectively recognized as the sector’s turning point.
Source: iGaming AFRIKA
