Features
The growth of Blue Bloods in Africa
Globally, internet adoption has steadily increased over theyears, and Africa has not been left out. Quite the opposite. Thegrowing young population of the continent and uptake ofinternet and smartphone technology have driven the growthof various industries. According to the Global System forMobile Communications Association (GMSA), Africa will have120 million new mobile subscribers by 2023, reaching newheights of a total of 615 million, corresponding to 50 percentof the region’s population. This digital movement is openingup new possibilities that are giving new forms ofentertainment a chance to thrive, one of which is online sportsbetting. It is fair to say that in the past ten years, sportsbetting has emerged all over Africa, and is expected to growwith the digital economy of the world.
Picking up on trends popular in Europe and North America,and with Africa’s love for sports, it is fast becoming an onlinegaming continent. With accessibility increasing, the questionarises: what’s available and which companies are trusted topave the way for wins for the users?
BetKing’s Entry
No matter their culture, language, political persuasion, socialstatus, or race, people across the African continent have onething in common. The shared love for sports – especiallyFootball. Combine that with a population of 1.3billion people,of which around 70% are youths, and you get a highlydesirable market for sports betting operators. In February2018, BetKing launched in Africa, with its first office in Lagos,Nigeria with a solid mission – to create an efficient systemthat enables the quests of its Kings and Kingmakers byproviding the right technology, radical innovation, anduncompromising service to all customers while at the sametime drive as much impact within communities as possible.
BetKing believes everyone is a king and this is reflected ineverything that makes up the brand; from the colours thatsymbolize royalty and wealth, to its excellent service deliverythat is specially designed for Kings and most importantly, anobjective to grow the Kingdom – one King at a time.
Within four years of operating in Africa, the company hasspread its tentacles to other countries in Africa includingEthiopia, Kenya, and just recently, Ghana. Currently servingmillions of customers across Africa, BetKing fast has become afavourite among punters across Africa – despite having accessto a plethora of other bookmakers.
So, what then, has accounted for BetKing’s success acrossAfrica, and to be the platform of choice?
Transforming lives through sports entertainment
A look at the company’s activities would send a clear message–BetKing Cares. Across all markets, BetKing, unlike anyother business, is known as a company that providesentertainment for individuals but is also known forempowerment, transforming lives, and the positive impact thebrand brings to individuals and communities. The company’sgoal is to change the face of sports betting in Africa and indoing so, BetKing remains committed to initiatives thatimprove the conditions of the societies they operate. This hascome to life through various initiatives that cut across –entrepreneurship and employment, sports development, andenvironmental sustainability, to mention a few.
Under the company’s CSR initiative BetKing Cares, whichserves as the cornerstone of the organization’s commitment topositively affecting lives both within and outside of thecommunities it operates in over the past four years, BetKinghas made significant contributions to the socio-economictransformation of Nigeria, Kenya and Ethiopia. In Nigeria, thecompany rolled out a ‘Month of Good’ initiative designed topositively impact communities. Through collaborations withtwo well-known non-governmental organizations (NGOs) -Market Doctors and the African Clean-Up Initiative (ACI), thecampaign supported medical outreach impacting hundreds ofpeople in significant cities like Lagos, Ibadan, Abuja, Benin,Enugu, Port Harcourt, and Anambra, as well as beachfrontand drainage clean-up initiatives in some of these cities.
In 2020, the Ethiopian Premier League heralded a new era inEthiopian football with the backing of BetKing andMultiChoice. The investment and partnership aimed toprovide international exposure to the league by givingEthiopian football players a platform through which to putEthiopia on the world football map. In Kenya, BetKinginvested in the renovation of Dagoretti Youth CommunityCentre based in Nairobi’s Kawangware slums.
The Making of ‘Kings’ and ‘Kingmakers’
BetKing’s agent network has enabled thousands of individualsto own their businesses and become their own boss. Theenterprise has enabled the youth amongst these fans to viewsports betting as a business rather than just a game. Thisopportunity creates direct & indirect employment incommunities and the ripple effect leaves a positive impact onthe economy. The agent network has proven invaluable for theyouths involved and most individuals have gone further totestify that the business has a positive impact on theirstandard of living, and soci0- economic well-being. Asidefrom giving thousands of youths the chance to work forthemselves, the company invests in ability building for itsnetwork of agents. A recent collaboration between BetKingand DSTV would offer new agents complimentary DSTVequipment and subscription which reduces setup costs anddrives customer engagement.
BetKing’s unique approach to customer experience and CSRefforts combined with its offer of the biggest odds-on majorleagues with exciting markets across several sports and virtualgames has powered its rapid growth in Africa in just fouryears.
The expansion to Ghana
BetKing’s agenda is not for Nigeria, Kenya and Ethiopia alone.BetKing is dedicated to changing the face of sports betting inthe whole of Africa – including Ghana. On August 6, 2022,BetKing officially launched in Ghana with a high-levelstakeholder event that presented an opportunity for the brandto reiterate its plans for the Ghanaian market. The Head ofPolicy for the Sports Ministry, Mohammed Sannie Adams, theCommissioner of the Gaming Commission of Ghana, PeterMireku, former Black Stars – Asamoah Gyan, John Paintsiland Samuel Kaffour; the media, and key players from thesports industry were all present at the event, which was heldat MultiChoice Ghana Limited.
As seen in recent years, there is a unique opportunity andtalent in the country to grow Ghana into a world-class sportsecosystem and BetKing hopes to play a major role in thisjourney – with a more dedicated focus on youth. Sincedifferent markets, regions, and communities have differentneeds as opposed to a one size fits all approach, the company’sstrategy is to gain insights into communities in Ghana tounderstand what they need and how BetKing can supportthem. BetKing aims to reach underserved communities toguarantee inclusion for all. As part of the company’s plans,BetKing aims to develop entertainment centres while cateringto their needs and overall ensure value is delivered in animpactful and sustainable way.
Positively affecting communities and bringing excellentresponsible gaming & compliance standards stays BetKing’scollective commitment to sports fans across Ghana andbeyond – and helps ensure sports betting continues to be anexciting, engaging, entertaining, but most of all, impactful ifnot a life-changing experience.
By Gossy Ukanwoke, Managing Director forKingmakers
I experienced something on Monday, June 15, that really frustrated me. I had to go to the ministries but I could not get up early that day so I decided to pick a taxi and get to the Tuba Junction.
When I got there I realised that Traffic had built up from the Toll Booth towards Accra. After a while I got a Taxi and it was when we got to a certain spot on the road, that I realised why there was a traffic jam.
There is a short stretch of the road where each time it rains heavily, loose material run down the hill onto the road, blocking one side of the road. Vehicles from Kasoa to Accra are then forced to move into one of the lanes of those going towards Kasoa from Accra.
The two lane road from Accra to Kasoa becomes a single carriage way. That was the reason for the traffic jam from the toll booth onwards.
This has been a perineal problem and yet, no permanent solution has been found till date. The area falls under Ga South and even though, a new MCE has taken over, the technocrats are still there and so the problem is not new to them.
There is therefore no excuse for the inability of the Ga South Metropolitan Assembly to resolving the problem on that stretch of the road. Apart from the Ga South Metropolitan Assembly, another institution that must be held accountable is the Ghana Highways Authority.
The Highways Authority cannot say they are unaware of this issue. The fact that the problem falls within the area of responsibility of the Ga South Assembly, does not relieve the Ghana Highways Authority, of their responsibility of ensuring that our highways are maintained in a motorable state at all times.
A collaboration between the Ghana Highways Authority and The Ga South Municipal Assembly is required for a permanent resolution of the problem.
There was another traffic jam at a place called Atala about 250 metres to the traffic light at Old Barrier as a result of an issue similar to the one close to the toll booth, that I talked about earlier.
When we got to Weija junction, we encountered another traffic jam. The cause of this jam was a bad condition of road about 80 metres from the traffic light at Ga South Hospital heading towards Accra.
Due to the bad nature at that section of the road, vehicles are compelled to slow down resulting in a traffic jam stretching all the way to Weija Junction.
I started wondering if that short stretch of road cannot be sorted on one Sunday when traffic is usually light. When we got to the traffic light at Odorkor, there was another issue.
When the traffic light shows green, there is a slow down because there is a big pothole or should I say manhole in the outer lane, right at the traffic light. Vehicles in the outer lane are compelled to swerve into the second lane thereby causing a traffic to slow down and resulting in a traffic jam.
It is very important to take into account the effect of traffic jam on the national economy. If we are able to assess the value of the loss to the economy of the nation, I believe the issue of traffic jam will be prioritised.
Imagine persons working at various Government Organisations like Registrar General’s Department, Ghana Ports and Habours Authority, Ghana Revenue Authority, CEPS etc. and lives at Kasoa and whose job is to collect revenue for the state and is held up in traffic.
Just imagine the effect their lateness to work will have on the economy if you consider the delays in say clearing of goods at the port and as a result traders cannot sell their goods for government to generate the required taxes.
Let us deal with the traffic jams on our streets to promote economic growth. God bless.
By Laud Kissi-Mensah
Mortality is an inherent aspect of life, a universal experience that has sparked philosophical, theological, and scientific inquiry throughout human history.
This article aims to provide a comprehensive and nuanced exploration of mortality, acknowledging the complexity of the topic and the diverse perspectives surrounding it.
The biological imperative
From a biological standpoint, death is a natural part of the life cycle. It serves as a mechanism for the evolution of species, allowing for the passing on of genetic material and the adaptation to environmental changes.
Evolutionary perspective: Death allows for the recycling of resources, promoting the survival and adaptation of species.
Life span and senescence: Cellular aging and the limitations of biological systems contribute to mortality.
Philosophical and existential perspectives
Existentialism: Emphasises individual freedom and responsibility in the face of mortality.
Meaning and purpose: The finite nature of life can prompt individuals to seek meaning and purpose.
The human condition: Mortality is a fundamental aspect of the human experience, shaping our perceptions and values.
Cultural and spiritual views
Afterlife and spirituality: Many cultures and religions believe in an afterlife or spiritual continuation.
Rituals and mourning: Cultural practices surrounding death reflect the significance of mortality in human experience.
Legacy and remembrance: The impact of one’s life can transcend mortality.
Ethical considerations
End-of-life care: Ethical debates surround issues like euthanasia, assisted dying, and palliative care.
Quality of life: Balancing the value of life with the quality of life is a complex ethical issue.
Resource allocation: Societal decisions about healthcare and resource distribution involve considerations of mortality.
Psychological impact
Grief and loss: The experience of mortality can evoke profound emotional responses.
Fear and anxiety: The awareness of mortality can lead to existential anxiety.
Appreciation and gratitude: Recognising mortality can foster appreciation for life.
Conclusion
Mortality is a multifaceted aspect of human existence, influencing how we live, relate, and find meaning. Understanding and acknowledging mortality can prompt deeper reflections on life and our place in the world.
By Robert Ekow Grimmond-Thompson
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