SOFTSWISS, a leading global tech company providing software for the iGaming industry, leveraged its keynote platform at the opening of Africa Tech Week to formalise its South African market ambitions, highlighting cybersecurity resilience as central to its strategy. Deputy CSO Artem Bychkov warned that with cyberattacks escalating alongside digital adoption, companies entering African markets must be builders – not just participants – in secure digital ecosystems.
Artem Bychkov, Deputy Chief Security Officer at SOFTSWISS, addressed delegates with a warning: Africa’s booming digital economy is being matched – and in some cases outpaced – by cybercriminal innovation. South Africa now ranks among the top three countries globally in cybercrime-related losses, with R2.2 billion lost annually.
“As the continent becomes more connected and digitally empowered, so too does the cyber risk. But with the right architecture, we can build resilience from the ground up,” said Bychkov.
Bychkov spotlighted established as well as emerging threats – from malware-as-a-service and supply chain infiltration to deepfake-driven KYC fraud – and positioned SOFTSWISS as a company whose track record in technical stability and innovation is vital for the African market
“Cybercriminals adapt fast. So must we,” he added. “There’s no substitute for a comprehensive security programme. People, processes, and technology must align under a long-term vision.”
SOFTSWISS has accelerated its African strategy, with enhanced adaptability for African operators. This strategy has already yielded acclaim: SOFTSWISS recently received the ‘Innovation of the Year’ award at the Sports Betting East Africa+ Summit – a recognition that its customisable solutions are both reliable and transformative, even in newly entered markets.
SOFTSWISS’ presence at Africa Tech Week underscores its ambitions to support Africa’s digital future not only through gaming platforms but also through a broader ecosystem of secure digital services. From device-level MFA and behavioural analytics to real-time monitoring and secure-by-design development, the company is bringing global cybersecurity standards to the continent – and evolving them to meet local realities.
