Mr Eazi-Backed betPawa Expands Into Mali as Africa’s Digital Gaming Industry Grows

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betPawa has expanded into Mali following regulatory approval granted to Choplife Gaming, the operator linked to Nigerian music entrepreneur Mr Eazi.

The move marks another step in the company’s broader expansion strategy across Africa’s rapidly growing digital gaming market, as operators increasingly target emerging West African economies with rising smartphone and mobile money adoption.

According to reports, Choplife Gaming secured approval from PMU Mali, the country’s state gaming regulatory authority, allowing the company to officially launch the betPawa brand in the Malian market.

The expansion takes betPawa’s licensed African footprint to 10 markets, adding Mali to countries including Nigeria, Ghana, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Benin, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and The Gambia.

Company officials described Mali as a strategic market due to its young population and increasing digital connectivity. The platform is expected to offer mobile-focused gaming services integrated with local payment systems and mobile money infrastructure.

Olu Odeneye said the company intends to build a locally compliant platform while working with regulators, payment providers, and telecom partners in Mali.

The development highlights the continued growth of Africa’s digital gaming sector, which has attracted increasing investment in recent years due to expanding internet access, mobile payment adoption, and a growing youth population across the continent.

Industry analysts estimate that Africa’s online gaming and betting industry could generate billions of dollars annually over the next decade as regulatory frameworks mature and digital infrastructure improves in multiple African markets.

Mr Eazi, whose real name is Oluwatosin Ajibade, has spent recent years expanding beyond music into technology, payments, and digital entertainment investments. Through Choplife Gaming and other ventures, he has become increasingly involved in Africa’s mobile gaming ecosystem.

His relationship with betPawa evolved from an earlier ambassadorial role into a deeper operational and investment partnership. In 2025, Choplife Gaming signed a multi-year licensing agreement with pawaTech Group to operate the betPawa brand across several African markets.

The Mali launch also reflects a broader trend of African-owned digital entertainment companies expanding regionally while building platforms tailored to local payment habits and mobile-first consumers.

Although the sector continues to grow commercially, online gaming and betting activities remain subject to regulatory oversight and ongoing debate in several African countries, particularly around consumer protection, responsible gaming, and youth participation.

The company said it plans to maintain compliance and responsible gaming standards as it expands operations within the Malian market.