Octa88 iGaming Advisory

History & Background

Octa88 iGaming Advisory was founded in 2019, according to the company’s own website, by a group of industry professionals who recognised the untapped potential of Africa’s gaming markets. The founders – whose names are not publicly disclosed – brought firsthand experience of the continent’s fragmented regulatory environment and the high failure rate of international operators entering African jurisdictions. In 2021, the firm formally registered as a partnership, as listed on LinkedIn, though it had been operational for two years prior. The company’s name “Octa88” likely references the number 88, which in many cultures symbolises prosperity and success.

Services & Offerings

Octa88 does not develop technology platforms or operate its own brands; instead, it provides advisory services tailored to the iGaming sector. Its service lines include licensing and compliance assistance, market-entry and localisation strategy, digital marketing optimisation, and strategic advisory such as regulatory intelligence and M&A support. The firm helps clients obtain licences in African jurisdictions like Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, and Uganda, and assists with navigating local tax regimes, anti-money laundering requirements, and responsible-gaming regulations.

Markets & Reach

Octa88 claims to cover 15+ African markets and has completed over 50 projects. Its website emphasises that the team has “lived and worked across Africa,” providing on-the-ground insights that many global consultancies lack. The firm also publishes insights via its blog and social media on topics such as Kenya’s new Gambling Control Act (2025) and industry trends. It has appeared in industry media such as iGaming Afrika and participated in webinars discussing regulatory changes.

Regulatory & Licensing

The firm’s expertise includes advising on the regulatory frameworks of individual African countries. It recently commented on Kenya’s Gambling Control Act 2025, which replaced the outdated Betting, Lotteries and Gaming Act (Cap. 131). An unnamed managing partner was quoted in an Instagram post analysing the Act’s implications, highlighting Octa88’s active role in regulatory commentary.

Competitive Position

Africa is a fast-growing but high-risk market for iGaming. Octa88 competes with other boutique consultancies such as Spectrum Gaming Group, Finshark Advisory, and Agile Dynamics. Its differentiation lies in its sole focus on Africa and its partnership model, which allows it to scale quickly without significant overhead. The company’s LinkedIn profile describes it as a “partnership” under company type.

Headcount & Structure

According to LinkedIn, Octa88 employs 11–50 people. Given the boutique nature of the firm, the actual number is likely at the lower end of that range. The organisational structure is not publicly available, but typical roles would include managing partners, compliance specialists, market analysts, and marketing consultants. The company’s website lists its physical address in Nairobi’s Westlands area.