Key Moments:
- Choplife Gaming has paid 17 billion Rwandan francs ($11.7 million) in taxes to Rwanda since 2022.
- Rwanda raised its gross gambling revenue tax from 13% to 40% and increased the withholding tax on winnings from 15% to 25% this year.
- Choplife Gaming’s tax remittance reflects its ability to navigate recent regulatory changes in the local gambling industry.
Significant Tax Remittance by Choplife Gaming
Oluwatosin Ajibade, also known as ‘Mr Eazi,’ announced that Choplife Gaming has remitted 17 billion Rwandan francs ($11.7 million) in taxes to Rwanda since 2022. Posting on X, the musician and entrepreneur highlighted Choplife’s ongoing financial input amid regulatory reforms in the country’s gaming industry.
Mr. Eazi presented the tax payments as demonstration of Choplife’s active investment in Rwanda’s gambling sector. He stated, “Since October 2022, ChoplifeGaming has been active in Rwanda’s gaming sector, contributing over RWF 17 billion ($11.7 million) in taxes during this period. This progress is only possible because of a regulatory environment that fosters growth and partnership.” The statement did not disclose specific figures for revenue or profit. However, the tax remittance suggests Choplife Gaming has managed considerable business activity and compliance costs, particularly given recent increases in gambling taxes.
Impact of Regulatory Adjustments
Rwanda has revised its gambling tax regulations this year. New amendments have lifted the tax on gross gambling revenue from 13% to 40%, while the withholding tax on player winnings has been hiked from 15% to 25%. The Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning noted that these measures are pivotal for meeting the country’s medium-term growth ambitions. The higher tax thresholds aim to secure additional government revenue to help achieve strategic development goals under the Second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2), with efforts underway to promote responsible gambling among Rwandans.
Under these more demanding conditions, Choplife Gaming’s $11.7 million in taxes since 2022 highlights the company’s ability to adjust to and thrive in a rapidly evolving regulatory landscape. Such a notable contribution underscores both the expansion of Rwanda’s formal gaming sector and broader movements in the region toward structuring digital gaming and betting industries.
Expanding Business Horizons for Choplife and Mr. Eazi
Choplife Gaming contributes to a wider portfolio of enterprises led by Mr. Eazi. Beyond gaming, he oversees emPawa Africa, a platform to assist emerging African creatives by providing resources for growth and wider reach.
His investment interests, demonstrated through Zagadat Capital, also target a range of sectors supporting Africa-founded businesses. Notably, Choplife secured a four-year licensing arrangement with betPawa in Nigeria earlier this year, aiming to increase its presence in sports betting.
Besides entertainment and gaming, Mr. Eazi is involved in investments spanning technology, infrastructure, payments, and creative economy ventures. He frequently focuses operations in regions, such as Rwanda, where regulatory and infrastructural support positions his companies to scale amid shifting legal frameworks.
Timing and Strategic Vision
The announcement of Choplife’s tax payments comes as regulatory environments for digital and betting businesses in Africa are swiftly advancing. Founders with formal operating structures—including licensing, auditing, and clear tax records—may have advantages over competitors operating less formally.
| Company | Tax Paid Since 2022 | Recent Regulatory Context |
|---|---|---|
| Choplife Gaming | RWF 17 billion ($11.7 million) | Increased taxes on gaming and winnings in Rwanda |
- Author
Daniel Williams
