Most African countries have greatly advanced in technology and this has affected every sector, gaming not being left behind, and especially for consultancy agents. Citing an online discussion (webinar) by iGaming AFRIKA that involved four consultants, it was established that technology has changed the landscape significantly for the consultants.
“Technology has been made available to us in enhanced data analytics and decision making process through very high data observing cites. We can manage a lot more analytics tools available to us that allows us to provide more accurate data observing cites to the clients,’ Nitesh Matai, a South African based consultant said
Predict of analytical tools also enables them (consultants) to focus and look out for potential risks and focus on customer behavior that allows them to plan how to operate.
The communication landscape has also changed so much in that digital communication tools with clients and from clients to their clients has also transformed the landscape.
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Nitesh noted that being able to collaborate online with clients across the world, when a consultant can check projects progress, share documents, and work together in real time makes a massive difference.
“It also allows us to do remote consulting which is great, without necessarily having to be on the ground although it is critical to be on the ground to understand the culture and diversity of this market that one is working in,” he further stated
The eLearning platforms allows the consultants to upscale themselves and upscale clients much easier with the use of many of these new platforms eg virtual trainings, where the consultants’ skills are much more available to customers.
The level of technological advances allows consultants to be able to deliver efficiently and also reduce cost of operations.
Cameron Green on his side felt the type of technology applied in an operation needs to be effective in that region.
“Part of an issue we have in the gaming industry is that we bring technology from other areas that do not fit in specific regions so exact application of technology and knowing what fits that region would be helpful.
“One of our roles is to do research and apply the exact form of technology that fits the exact location,” Green, who has been in the consultancy space for over two decades added.
Jeremiah Maangi, iGaming AFRIKA CEO reiterated the need for a consultant to be updated with the current trends in technology, failure to that, then one might not be in a position to deliver some of the projects.
If technology is simplifying most of the tasks for those who want to invest in Africa and they need analytical data or statistics about the continent, they can easily get it through the application of technology, why is it important then to have a consultant?
Cameron said consultants are specialists that understand and have expertise in the local market, regulation, advocacy, culture, established networks in the said countries and these are some of the items that makes it worthwhile to incooperate a consultant in a gaming business.
Involvement of a local consultant also supports local economy – by engaging a local consultant an operator creates employment and this participates in the economic growth of the area.
“By doing the same, there’s promotion of sustainable development in that space,” Mitesh added.
A local consultant also understands the market better and incase of crisis, they can also respond faster following their availability and can provide long term commitment, thus continued engagement and longer time support of the client.
They are cost effective compared to those abroad.
However, Jeremiah noted that several gaming companies have closed down, but it was established that many reasons have led to such uncertainties as not only the choice of a consultant but also financial constraints, selection of a wrong platform for the region, not paying attention to the right market etc.
While launching or growing the gaming business, it is important for an operator it is to engage a consultant.
Martin Sack, a consultant with years of experience in most African countries said consultancy helps bring a specialized knowledge and experience in the gaming space to help operators navigate through the complexities of the environment as it is different from other industries.
“It takes a leaner to navigate through the industry and some of the things brought to the table by the consultant is the ability of the consultant to get to the heart of those complexities quickly,” Sack stated.
As consultants they help prevent, identify or minimize pick form, optimize the operation based on the broad variety of experience, ask the right questions and basically transform knowledge in the operators’ organization, add value, bring
something new to the company and also create impact for the operator.
New businesses look for something new.
It is important to have an experienced consultant that has a better understanding of local market dynamics and challenges like regulatory understanding, where it is important and critical that consultants have these deep understanding of the landscapes across the African countries .
‘International consulting agencies have also come in but hardly understand the market landscape and difference in territories ie
licensing, taxations, compliance, responsible Gaming, among other key factors,’ Mitei detailed
According to him, cultural sensitivity lacks often as it’s important to be familiar with custom norms and behaviors in Africa to create an effective marketing and a good strategy for the brand.
In looking for a consultant, it is important to look for past successes as track record is important.
“The industry is big, yet small, ask around and get a background information of the targeted consultant,” Matai advised Operators
He noted that it is also important for the operator to get testimonials from clients serviced by the consultant for surety.
‘Choose a well-connected consultant who can bring additional resources and opportunities to the company that could facilitate faster problem resolution and go through market times.
Someone with distinctive background that can bring a level of flexibility and innovative thinking to the business.
“About having someone who has a track record or a good performance matters consultancy stands out, said Jeremiah.
Having a sit down with consultants, an operator is able to know whether the consultant is skilled, experienced and is an expert.
‘Get to listen to their insights, how they’ll handle a problem and the solutions in the company, interview them,’ added Matai However, doing a research to ensure that one is working with the right people on various elements might not be impactful as the industry keeps changing, said Cameron Sack.