African Gaming Forum to Analyze Regulation and Expansion in Key Markets
The African Gaming Forum will gather leaders and regulators to discuss the sustainability of growth in Africa under diverse and evolving regulatory frameworks.
Key Takeaways
- The African Gaming Forum will analyze regulation and sustainable growth in key African markets.
- Leading regulators from South Africa, Botswana, and Kenya will discuss innovation and regulatory compliance.
- Dedicated panels will address the specific challenges of Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and Ethiopia.
- The event is by invitation only and coincides with the SBC Summit in Lisbon.
- Influential associations and operators participate to reflect the reality of the sector across Africa.
The African Gaming Forum, scheduled for Wednesday, September 30 at the Myriad Hotel in Lisbon, will bring together high-level industry stakeholders to assess how the gaming industry in Africa can sustainably grow amidst the evolving regulatory, fiscal, and structural landscape of its markets. The event, exclusively by invitation, will provide a full day dedicated to the challenges and opportunities in both established and emerging jurisdictions, providing a detailed overview for operators seeking to expand in the region.
African Regulation Under the Microscope: GRAF Participation and Key Regulators
The conference will open with the session "GRAF Regulator Panel: African Gaming Under the Microscope," led by the Gaming Regulators Africa Forum (GRAF). This panel will include Lungile Dukwana (CEO of the National Gambling Board of South Africa), Moruntshi Kemorwale (CEO of Gambling Authority Botswana), and Vusi Mtsweni (CEO of Mpumalanga Economic Regulator), moderated by Mabutho Zwane (CEO of the Eastern Cape Gambling Board and President of GRAF). The panelists will discuss how regulators and operators can develop frameworks that promote innovation and growth while reinforcing regulatory compliance, player protection, and response to unregulated activity.
"Africa is not a single market. Each jurisdiction evolves under distinct regulatory, commercial, and cultural conditions, which means that the challenges and opportunities vary greatly from country to country," stated Rasmus Sojmark, CEO and founder of SBC, explaining the forum's differentiated approach.
Operators Confronting the Challenge of Sustainable Expansion in Africa
The "CEO Panel: Leading the Way – Scaling the Opportunity in Africa" will be a space for regional leaders like Christopher Coyne (CEO of 888Africa), Jeremiah Maangi (Founder and CEO of iGaming AFRIKA), Alexandre Paque (CEO of Elephant Bet), Ronnie Whelan (CEO of Kingmakers), and Peter Emolemo Kesitilwe (CEO of African iGaming Alliance) to evaluate how operators can leverage a mobile-oriented young audience, design market entry strategies, and manage cultural and regulatory differences. This discussion will also address the transition to iCasino and the potential impact of regulatory alignment between African jurisdictions on future expansion.
Regulatory and Market Outlook in Ghana, Kenya, and Nigeria
Ghana will be featured in the panel "A New Entry to the Big 4: Gaming in Ghana Continues Apace," where experts like Akomea Kwaku Ohemeng Agyei (CEO of Mybet Africa), Kobby Boateng (President of Ghana Association of Sports Betting Operators), Moritz Honig (CEO of Betfox), and Emmanuel Siisi Quainoo (Acting Commissioner of the Gaming Commission of Ghana) will discuss the market's growth rate and whether the regulatory evolution will sustain that trajectory or attract new operators.
In Kenya, the session "A Whole New World: Kenya and the Gambling Control Act" will examine the impact of the new law and its implications for compliance, responsible gaming, and growth projections. Voices like Marcel Elfersy (CEO of B2 Tech), Jason Gibson (CPO of SportPesa), Sab Jhooti (CEO of Bongo Bongo), Peter Maina Karimi (Director General of the Gaming Regulatory Authority of Kenya), Vusi Mtsweni (CEO of Mpumalanga Economic Regulator), and John Mutua (CEO of the Association of Gaming Operators Kenya) will participate.
The discussion "Regulatory Uncertainty vs Economic Opportunity: The Nigerian Question" will consider how cooperation between state authorities, regulators, and operators could unlock growth in Nigeria. The panel "South Africa: Will New Taxes Lead to Responsible Growth?" will address the influence of taxes, player protection, and unregulated operator activity on the next phase of the South African market.
Finally, "After the Ban: What’s Next for Ethiopian iGaming?" will explore the consequences of restrictions on online gaming operators in Ethiopia and whether a new legal framework could reopen the market for licensed operators.
Strategic Partnerships and Dynamics of the African Gaming Forum
The African Gaming Forum is conducted in collaboration with organizations like iGaming AFRIKA, Gaming Regulators Africa Forum (GRAF), and the Ghana Association of Sports Betting Operators (GHASBO), offering regional expertise, regulatory perspective, and operator representation. Their presence ensures that discussions reflect the diversity and complexity of African markets.
The agenda includes networking opportunities, allowing attendees to engage directly with operators, regulators, and associations from across the continent. Attendance at the forum is by invitation only, and those wishing to participate must hold valid accreditation for the SBC Summit or the Affiliate Leaders Summit, in accordance with the rules established by the organizers.
The selected topics and panelists seek to provide a concrete view of the sector's advancement and professionalization in Africa, as well as facilitate open and practical exchanges for operators, regulators, and suppliers interested in compliance and continental expansion challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where will the African Gaming Forum take place?
The African Gaming Forum will take place on Wednesday, September 30 at the Myriad Hotel in Lisbon, coinciding with the SBC Summit and with exclusive access for invitees with a valid event pass.
What regulatory topics will be addressed at the forum?
The forum will cover topics such as regulatory frameworks, innovation, player protection, taxes, and the adaptation of regulations in markets like Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and Ethiopia.
Which regulatory authorities will participate in the African Gaming Forum?
Representatives from the Gaming Regulators Africa Forum (GRAF), including regulators from South Africa, Botswana, Mpumalanga, and Kenya will be part of the event.
Who can participate in the forum and what is the access process?
Attendance is by invitation only, and those wishing to participate must have a valid pass for the SBC Summit or the Affiliate Leaders Summit, meeting the requirements set by the organizers.
How is networking and collaboration fostered at the forum?
The program includes networking spaces where operators, regulators, and associations from the sector can interact and discuss specific challenges and opportunities in the African market.
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About the author
Miguel Sandoval
Regulatory Affairs Correspondent
Miguel Sandoval tracks gambling legislation, licensing, and regulator enforcement — from Spain's DGOJ and the Latin American authorities to the UKGC, the MGA, and the state-by-state map in North America. The reports answer three questions precisely — what changed, where, and who it affects — with jurisdictions, dates, and penalties cited exactly as published. Operators and compliance officers read Miguel Sandoval to know which rulebook moved before their next meeting.
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