From South Africa’s feature-rich demand to Kenya’s love of simplicity, Habanero is shaping its games and partnerships to match the tastes, tech, and regulations of each fast-moving African market.
Toni Karapetrov, Head of Corporate Communications, sets out how Habanero is positioning itself as a long-term partner in shaping Africa’s gaming ecosystem.
Africa seems to be a big part of Habanero’s growth story. What is it about this region that makes it so exciting?
Africa is one of the most exciting regions for us right now. It has a population that is highly engaged with mobile products, and smartphone use continues to grow rapidly. This mix creates an ideal foundation for long-term growth.
What makes it particularly interesting is how quickly the landscape is changing. Internet connectivity is improving, infrastructure is catching up, and we are starting to see regulators introduce frameworks that will bring more stability.
We have always focused on sustainable growth, and Africa fits perfectly with that approach. Our goal is to be part of the ecosystem and create games that players across the continent will continue to enjoy as the market develops.
South Africa has been strong for the business, with Ghana, Nigeria, and Kenya picking up fast. How does Habanero decide where to focus its energy next?
Our decisions are based on a combination of data, regulatory progress and player behaviour. South Africa has been a key market because of its maturity, but Ghana, Nigeria and Kenya are growing quickly and showing real potential.
At Habanero, we do not take a blanket approach. Each country has its own unique features, so we focus on building strong local partnerships that give us real insight into how players engage with content.
These partnerships also help us to stay compliant and relevant. This way, when we enter or expand into a market, we know we can deliver value rather than simply chasing growth.
Habanero has partnered with big names like Betway Africa – how have these collaborations helped shape your approach to the market?
Working with operators such as Betway has been very important for us. Partnerships like these not only give us the reach we need as a company, but they also help us understand what players want at a local level.
Our collaboration with Betway in Ghana is a brilliant example. By launching with a brand that players already know and trust, we were able to introduce titles like Hot Hot Fruit and Egyptian Dreams with much greater impact.
Partnerships also guide how we adapt our games. We see what works, and simply what does not, and how we can tailor features to fit different markets. They help us move faster, because local operators already know the regulatory environment and payment preferences.
In many ways, these collaborations are the bridge between our global expertise and the needs of local players.
Habanero’s games are optimised for mobile and low bandwidth but still look and feel great. How do you strike that balance?
In Africa, devices and internet speeds vary a lot, so we make sure our games are lightweight while still delivering a premium experience. That means focusing on quick load times and smooth performance without cutting corners on visuals or gameplay.
We test across a wide range of devices and conditions so that whether someone is playing in Johannesburg or Lagos, the quality feels the same.
Players should never feel they are getting a reduced version of the game because of their device or connection. That consistency is something we take pride in and is a big reason players come back to our content.
What have African players taught you about mobile gaming that maybe surprised you or influenced your design?
One of the biggest lessons has been the importance of keeping things simple and accessible. Players value games that are easy to navigate, quick to load and clear to understand. This has influenced the way we design our interfaces and user journeys.
We have also seen how much cultural relevance matters. Themes, sounds and visual styles that reflect local tastes can make a real difference. Another important learning is that players enjoy familiar mechanics but also like to see them refreshed with new twists.
This balance of accessibility and innovation has shaped the way we approach game design for Africa.
Are there any games or features that really seem to click with African players? Do preferences differ much between South Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, and Kenya?
There are differences between markets. South African players often prefer more feature-rich titles with higher production values. In Ghana and Nigeria, we see strong demand for bonus-heavy games that offer frequent rewards.
And in Kenya from our perspective, fast-loading games with straightforward mechanics tend to perform best. Across all markets, the things players respond to the most are games that are simple to pick up but still deliver excitement and rewards.
Take Hot Hot Fruit as an example of a title that has worked very well because it combines a classic slot feel with vibrant graphics and rewarding gameplay.
In such competitive markets, what strategies work best to keep players coming back?
Retention is just as important as acquisition. In Africa, we have found that features like tournaments, leaderboards and daily challenges are very effective at encouraging players to return, as they create a sense of progress and community.
Operator-led promotions are also powerful. Launching games with localised offers helps us quickly establish them in players’ routines. The strategies that work best are those that combine strong game design with local relevance, ensuring players have both entertainment and reasons to stay engaged.
Beyond the games themselves, how does Habanero connect with local communities and the wider gaming ecosystem?
Our focus has always been on trust as much as visibility. We work with operators that are already established in their communities, which helps ensure our games are introduced in the right way.
We also engage with regulators to promote compliance and responsible play, which is vital as more countries adopt formal frameworks.
At the same time, we listen closely to feedback from players and partners and use that to improve our products. Sharing insights and supporting education in the industry is another way we contribute.
We want to be seen as more than just a supplier, and our aim is to be a partner that supports the growth of the industry in Africa.
Looking forward, what’s your vision for Habanero in Africa over the next five years?
Our vision is to become one of the leading content providers in Africa’s regulated markets. We expect to expand into more countries as regulation develops, and we plan to focus further on localisation so that each launch feels tailored to the audience.
We also see mobile-first design and competitive features playing a bigger role as infrastructure continues to improve. Partnerships will remain central to our growth, helping us connect with operators and players in a meaningful way.
Ultimately, we want players across Africa to see Habanero as a trusted source of high-quality entertainment and for operators to view us as a partner that truly understands the diversity of the continent.
The post Habanero: betting big on Africa appeared first on G3 Newswire.
From South Africa’s feature-rich demand to Kenya’s love of simplicity, Habanero is shaping its games and partnerships to match the tastes, tech, and regulations of each fast-moving African market. Toni Karapetrov, Head of Corporate Communications, sets out how Habanero is positioning itself as a long-term partner in shaping Africa’s gaming ecosystem. Africa seems to be…
The post Habanero: betting big on Africa appeared first on G3 Newswire.