Christoph Härtel, the Chief Executive Officer of 21Viral, attended the SiGMA Africa Summit in South Africa with a clear strategic mandate: expand the company’s global footprint beyond its Latin American roots. In an engaging interview, Hartel outlined how 21Viral is evolving as a game aggregator, aligning its operations with growth opportunities in Africa and beyond.

From Latin America to Africa

Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Curaçao, 21Viral has long established itself in Central and Latin America. However, as Härtel noted, African markets are increasingly becoming a focal point. “We are receiving more and more requests from Africa,” he explained. “We are therefore expanding our business significantly here.”

This expansion is not based on speculation alone. Härtel referenced promising market data and an energetic ecosystem as evidence of Africa’s potential. “I foresee a very golden future for Africa,” he added, underscoring his confidence in the continent’s iGaming sector.

Building regional presence and investing locally

To establish a meaningful presence, 21Viral is adopting a localisation-first approach. “We are hiring salespeople here and building a prospering business,” Härtel said. This commitment to on-the-ground investment is aimed at fostering deeper integration into African markets and forming long-term partnerships.

Regulation as an enabler of growth

Härtel addressed the regulatory landscape in Africa with optimism. Rather than viewing regulation as a constraint, he considers it a facilitator of structured industry growth. “Regulation is nothing bad; it’s the opposite,” he emphasised. He referenced the efforts of the Eastern Cape Gambling Board as a positive example of regulatory support fostering collaboration between stakeholders.

South Africa as a strategic launchpad

In his analysis, Härtel identified South Africa as a critical base of operations for wider African expansion. “Working out of South Africa is the best bet,” he asserted. He believes the country offers a stable platform with the necessary infrastructure and market maturity to drive regional success.

The importance of education and responsible gaming

Highlighting the ethical dimension of iGaming, Härtel stressed the importance of education in every market. “This industry is about giving fun and choices to people, but of course, they should be handled responsibly,” he stated. He advocated for awareness campaigns to ensure the industry delivers value without compromising consumer well-being.

iGaming vs. land-based casinos

Härtel drew a sharp contrast between land-based gaming venues and online platforms, emphasising the convenience and accessibility of iGaming. “With iGaming, it’s possible to enjoy a short period of play wherever you are, wherever you have an internet connection. That’s the future,” he said, positioning digital gaming as the sector’s forward path.

Opportunities in the Middle East and beyond

While reaffirming the company’s stronghold in Latin America, Härtel pointed to Africa as the primary growth region in the near term. He also touched on the Middle East, particularly the UAE, where regulatory discussions are opening new possibilities. “I think this is also an emerging market… so that iGaming can prosper there in a regulated way,” he observed.

Fostering global partnerships and sustainable growth

Concluding the interview, Härtel highlighted the dual purpose of the SiGMA Africa Summit: reinforcing existing relationships and cultivating new opportunities. “We’re looking forward to expanding our network,” he said.

Through thoughtful expansion, supportive regulation, and a commitment to responsibility and education, 21Viral is positioning itself at the forefront of emerging market development in the iGaming industry.

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