Malta and South Africa Strengthen Cooperation at SiGMA 2025

The SiGMA Africa 2025 summit in Cape Town provided a vital platform for advancing business collaboration between Malta and South Africa, with a strong focus on gaming, fintech, and digital transformation. Industry leaders, government officials, and corporate executives gathered to discuss strategic partnerships that could boost economic opportunities between the two nations.

A keynote session, The Malta Case for Business Cooperation, highlighted Malta’s role as a bridge between Africa and Europe, offering investment incentives, regulatory expertise, and access to EU markets. The discussion featured H.E. Dionisio Vella, Malta’s Non-resident Ambassador to South Africa, Jurgen Zammit, Head of External Relations at Malta Enterprise, and Shirley Pulis Xerxen, Head of News at SiGMA Group.

Driving Business Growth Through Strategic Collaboration

Malta’s well-established gaming industry, fintech expertise, and business-friendly policies were key discussion points for South African enterprises looking to expand internationally. With access to EU funding programs, corporate tax incentives, and startup grants, Malta offers a favorable business environment for African companies seeking growth in European markets.

“Malta Enterprise actively supports businesses with tailored financial incentives, from startup grants to corporate tax schemes, making it an ideal base for companies looking to expand into Europe,” said Jurgen Zammit.

Beyond investment, Malta and South Africa share longstanding diplomatic ties, which provide further opportunities in research, education, and talent development. H.E. Dionisio Vella emphasized this, stating:

“Malta and South Africa have shared strong diplomatic ties for years. While trade relations are healthy, there remains untapped potential for foreign direct investment. We are committed to strengthening this collaboration through agreements in research, innovation, and tourism.”

SiGMA Africa 2025: Industry Growth and Innovation

As one of the leading gaming and fintech summits in Africa, SiGMA Africa 2025 played a pivotal role in fostering industry growth, attracting 2,500 delegates from across the globe. The summit featured discussions on regulatory frameworks, technological advancements, and investment opportunities, particularly in the gaming, blockchain, and fintech sectors.

Alderman James Vos, Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, opened the event by highlighting the city’s commitment to digital expansion and regulatory efficiency:

“Cape Town is no stranger to rolling the dice on bold ideas. From launching South Africa’s first Ease of Doing Business Index to landing more flights through our Open Skies strategy, we know that growth happens when you play smart.”

Regulatory leaders and industry experts examined how Africa’s digital economy is evolving, with Malta being showcased as a model for gaming regulation. H.E. Dennis Vella provided insights into Malta’s successful licensing framework, which has positioned it as a global leader in iGaming regulation.

Recognizing Excellence and Industry Leadership

The SiGMA Africa Awards 2025 celebrated outstanding achievements in gaming, fintech, and digital innovation, recognizing companies and individuals who have driven industry transformation.

Beyond industry accolades, the SiGMA Foundation Charity Auction brought together executives to support global community projects, including a hospital expansion in Peru, along with education and healthcare initiatives worldwide.

Networking was also a core element of the event, with exclusive iGathering dinners, private business meetings, and high-profile networking events offering attendees unparalleled opportunities to build strategic partnerships.

A dedicated Women in Gaming (WiG) initiative emphasized the importance of diversity and inclusion, fostering discussions on mentorship, leadership, and equal opportunities within the gaming sector.

The Road Ahead: SiGMA Americas 2025

Following SiGMA Africa 2025, the focus now shifts to BiS SiGMA Americas in São Paulo, Brazil, where 18,000 delegates, 600 exhibitors, and 300 speakers will gather for four days of business networking, industry panels, and investment opportunities.

Held at the Transamerica Expo Center, the event will bring together key players from the gaming, fintech, and blockchain industries, further reinforcing SiGMA’s role as a global leader in industry development.

As Malta strengthens its economic ties with South Africa, the partnerships and discussions initiated at SiGMA Africa 2025 are expected to translate into actionable business collaborations, paving the way for long-term growth and cross-border investment.

Source:Malta Strengthens Strategic Business Cooperation with South Africa at SiGMA Africa 2025, SiGMA World, March 13, 2025.