Nigerian music star turned entrepreneur, Tosin Ajibade, better known as Mr Eazi, has revealed that his gaming company, Choplife Gaming, has contributed significantly to Rwanda’s tax revenue, paying RWF 17 billion ($11.7 million) in taxes since 2022. This substantial financial contribution underscores the rapid expansion of his business empire beyond the entertainment industry.
The impressive tax payments come during a period of significant regulatory transformation in Rwanda’s gambling sector. The government recently implemented stricter tax policies, increasing rates on gross gambling revenue from 13% to 40% and raising withholding taxes on winnings from 15% to 25%. Despite this more challenging tax environment, Choplife Gaming has demonstrated resilience and sustained profitability.
While Mr Eazi did not disclose specific revenue or profit figures, the substantial tax contributions suggest considerable business volumes and effective operational management. The company’s ability to absorb increased tax burdens while maintaining compliance demonstrates the strength of its business model.
Mr Eazi’s entrepreneurial ventures extend far beyond Choplife Gaming, encompassing multiple sectors across Africa’s emerging markets:
emPawa Africa Initiative: This talent development platform supports emerging artists across the continent, providing funding and distribution opportunities to help them reach broader audiences and achieve commercial success.
Zagadat Capital: Through this investment fund, Mr Eazi backs African-founded companies, contributing to the continent’s startup ecosystem and economic development.
Strategic Partnerships: Choplife Gaming has secured significant international agreements, including a four-year licensing deal with betPawa in Nigeria, expanding its sports betting operations across West Africa.
Technology Investments: The entrepreneur has diversified into technology, payments infrastructure, and creative economy ventures, strategically aligning with countries that offer strong regulatory frameworks and infrastructure, particularly Rwanda.
Regulatory Compliance as Competitive Advantage
The timing of this tax disclosure is particularly significant as African governments increasingly scrutinise digital businesses, betting, and gaming operations. Mr Eazi’s emphasis on formal business structures—including proper licensing, auditing, and taxation—positions his companies advantageously against informal operators.
This compliance-first approach may prove crucial as regulators across the continent implement stricter policies. Companies that establish transparent, legally compliant operations are likely to benefit from increased market confidence and regulatory stability.
Implications for Africa’s Gaming Industry
Mr Eazi’s success story highlights several important trends in Africa’s rapidly evolving gaming and digital entertainment landscape:
- The potential for significant revenue generation and tax contribution from properly regulated gaming operations
- The importance of adapting to changing regulatory environments while maintaining profitability
- The value of diversified business portfolios that span entertainment, technology, and financial services
- The growing sophistication of African entrepreneurs in building scalable, compliant business operations
As governments across Africa continue to refine their approaches to digital economy regulation, Mr Eazi’s model of transparent operations and substantial tax contributions may serve as a blueprint for other entrepreneurs seeking to build sustainable businesses in the gaming and entertainment sectors.
The $11.7 million in tax contributions over three years represents not just business success. Still, a significant contribution to Rwanda’s public revenue, demonstrating how properly structured gaming operations can benefit both entrepreneurs and the broader economy.
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