Unity Nwanze, Business Operations Manager at betBonanza, is an accomplished iGaming expert with extensive experience in product development, project management, customer service, account management, and HR. Through her dynamic career, she has driven innovation, empowered teams, and played a pivotal role in shaping the gaming industry. Join us as we explore her journey, insights, and vision for a more inclusive and forward-thinking future in gaming.
iGaming AFRIKA: Your history in gaming is quite motivational. Can you tell us about your journey to finally become the Business Operations Manager at betBonanza?
Unity Nwanze: My passion for Human Resources ultimately led me into the gaming industry. I’ve always been driven to impart knowledge, help individuals grow, and mentor young talent as they work towards their career goals. I began my journey in gaming as a Training Manager, where I was tasked with educating staff and betting shop agents on the platform and its products. However, my curiosity soon expanded beyond training, prompting me to explore how customers and agents were being supported, and how challenges faced by customers on the platform were being addressed by Customer Support. This interest led me to play an active role in training the customer support team to ensure they delivered exceptional service.
As I gained more insight into the business, I became involved in product development, using feedback from both customers and agents to drive improvements. I collaborated closely with the technical team to enhance the product and make it more appealing to our users. Over time, I was given the opportunity to coordinate the operations of the retail team. In this capacity, I worked with management to develop policies and processes for the commercial team, ensuring these policies were communicated, enforced, and adhered to.
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Before long, my responsibilities grew to encompass the broader business, and I began overseeing daily operations and processes, ensuring seamless collaboration across teams and contributing to the overall success of the company.
iGaming AFRIKA: What key skills and experiences have been most instrumental to your success in this role?
Unity Nwanze: In terms of skills, I would attribute much of my success in this role to my can-do attitude and efficiency. My background in training, coupled with a deep understanding of the business and experience in managing people, has been pivotal in driving my performance. Additionally, I would like to acknowledge the significant impact my managers have had on my growth. Their guidance and support have been instrumental in helping me reach new levels of success.
iGaming AFRIKA: Being recognised as one of the most influential Women in Gaming in Africa in 2024 is no small feat, and as such, why is this an important recognition for you?
Unity Nwanze: First and foremost, I want to say that receiving this recognition was the highlight of my year in 2024. It meant so much to me, especially as it was the inaugural edition, and I was honoured to be included. What makes it even more special is that out of so many hardworking and influential women in gaming, I was one of 50 women from across Africa to be recognised. It’s one thing to put in the effort, but to have that effort acknowledged is truly rewarding. I am deeply grateful for this recognition.
iGaming AFRIKA: Africa has been largely a consumer market when it comes to gaming. How can we make the continent more innovative?
Unity Nwanze: There’s no doubt that Africa has primarily been seen as a consumer market, but we have the potential to be much more innovative. With the resources and talent available, we are more than capable of being creative. We understand our market, including player behaviours and patterns, and can use this knowledge to develop products that truly resonate with our audience. We’ve collaborated with numerous foreign technical developers and gained valuable insights, but now it’s time to focus those learnings on our market. We must provide more opportunities for local developers and trust in their ability to create tailored products that meet our specific needs. The key is to believe in our potential and take the first step forward.
iGaming AFRIKA: How do you see the African gaming market evolving in the year 2025 and what are some of the new trends you anticipate seeing this year?
Unity Nwanze: The gaming market in 2025 is set to undergo significant evolution, driven by technological advancements across all sectors. Specifically, in terms of products, we’ve already started to see a shift from late 2024, with providers beginning to tailor offerings specifically for the African market. For instance, crash game providers have started incorporating local elements, such as using street buses to represent the crash game, rather than relying on generic content. This shift has resonated with players, as they can now engage with something much more familiar and relatable.
I believe that casino providers will increasingly embrace the inclusion of more African-themed games in their portfolios, as these resonate more with local audiences. In the world of sports, 2025 will likely witness a surge in e-sports, which is expected to make a significant contribution to the overall sports betting market. Additionally, the integration of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) will begin to transform the sports betting experience, adding immersive new dimensions. In-play sports betting, which is already gaining traction across Africa, is expected to see continued growth in 2025.
iGaming AFRIKA: What employment opportunities do you believe are untapped in the gaming sector in Africa?
Unity Nwanze: In Africa, the gaming sector is rapidly evolving, and there are numerous untapped employment opportunities that can drive growth and innovation. There are a few key areas where potential exists such as Game Development and Design, especially in the area of local game development that reflects African culture, stories and landscapes offering unique experiences to local audiences; Gaming Content Creation, Game Localisation, Payment and FinTech Solutions, Marketing professionals who understand the African market, Education and Training with a need for programmes tailored to the technical and creative skills required in the gaming industry.
iGaming AFRIKA: As a trailblazer in the African gaming sector, how do you support and inspire more young women towards the gaming industry?
Unity Nwanze: The best way to support and inspire young women is to first recognise their potential and offer them a head start. When I discover young women who are eager to grow, I make it a point to mentor them closely and provide opportunities for their development. I was given an opportunity because of my passion and dedication, so I believe the greatest gift I can offer to other young women is to open doors for them as well. For those who may not yet believe in their own abilities, I help them see the possibilities and encourage them to realise their full potential. By sharing my experiences, I motivate them to keep moving forward and to recognise the greatness within themselves.