Exclusive interview with African iGaming Alliance’s first CEO, Peter Emolemo Kesitilwe
The African IGaming Alliance (AiA) recently announced the appointment of Peter Emolemo Kesitilwe as its inaugural Chief Executive Officer. The AiA, a trade and standards body, has been established with a commitment to advance ethical, sustainable, and inclusive growth of Africa’s online gambling sector.
Botswana Gambling Authority’s (BGA) former CEO, Peter Emolemo, oversaw the regulatory development and licensing regime of the Southern African state by enacting reforms to the Betting and Lotteries Act.
Establishing its charter, the AIA seeks professionals from African regulators, operators and wider business services (law and IT) to join its ranks with a view to promoting ethical and fair gaming and sustainable policies across Africa’s multi-billion-dollar iGaming sector.
An inaugural CEO’s appointment
Peter Emolemo spoke with SiGMA News about his new role and divulged more on what the Africa iGaming Alliance is and what it will do for Africa’s iGaming industry.
SiGMA: What motivated you to accept the role of the first CEO of the African iGaming Alliance, and what are your primary objectives in leading this new organisation?
Kesitilwe: I was motivated by the unique opportunity to help shape the future of Africa’s iGaming sector at a continental level. For too long, the industry has been fragmented, with regulators and operators working in isolation. The Alliance provides a platform to harmonise standards, promote responsible gaming, and ensure fair taxation across markets. My primary objectives are to strengthen collaboration between governments, regulators, and operators, to foster an environment of trust, and to position Africa as a competitive and sustainable hub for iGaming globally.
Peter Emolemo’s background and expertise
Peter Emolemo’s background in gaming regulation positions him at an ideal position for the newly formed Alliance.
SiGMA: Given your previous experience as CEO of the Botswana Gambling Authority, how do you plan to leverage that expertise to promote ethical and fair gaming across the continent through the Alliance?
Kesitilwe: At the Gambling Authority of Botswana, I had the privilege of introducing online gambling regulations, deploying digital monitoring systems, and spearheading responsible gambling initiatives that were recognised internationally. I intend to draw on those experiences to promote a values-driven industry across Africa, one that prioritises player protection, integrity in operations, and transparent compliance frameworks. My regulatory background ensures I can engage credibly with governments while also supporting operators to innovate responsibly.
The mission of the African iGaming Alliance
A charter drives the establishment of the AiA, uniting professionals from regulators, operators, and law and IT specialists to promote ethical and fair gaming practices across Africa. The Alliance aims to develop sustainable policies that will support the growth of the continent’s flourishing online gambling sector.
SiGMA: The Alliance aims to establish a Joint Implementation Committee in partnership with Gaming Advisory Africa. How do you envision this committee shaping the future of regulation and consumer protection in Africa’s iGaming sector?
Kesitilwe: The Joint Implementation Committee will serve as a bridge between regulators and industry. Its role will be to translate policy aspirations into practical, enforceable frameworks that protect consumers while enabling innovation. Through research, technical assistance, and stakeholder engagement, the committee will help standardise responsible gambling measures, anti-money laundering safeguards, and digital compliance systems across markets. Ultimately, its work will ensure that consumer protection remains central to the growth of iGaming in Africa.
Building a coordinated regulatory framework
One of Peter Emolemo’s priorities will be working with members of the AiA to establish a Joint Implementation Committee (JIC). This initiative will be in partnership with Gaming Advisory Africa, the continent’s largest gaming advisory network. The JIC will bring together professionals from diverse backgrounds to create common standards and foster a more coordinated approach to regulation and consumer protection.
SiGMA: As the Alliance prepares to present its founding charter, what are some key priorities you hope will be included to foster collaboration, innovation, and knowledge-sharing among African regulators and industry stakeholders?
Kesitilwe: The charter will enshrine principles of collaboration, transparency, and shared accountability. Key priorities include:
- Developing a continental code of conduct for operators.
- Establishing platforms for knowledge-sharing between regulators and associations.
- Creating innovation pathways, such as regulatory sandboxes, to test new technologies safely.
- Encouraging regional cooperation to combat illegal gambling and ensure tax fairness.
These priorities will help regulators and operators move from fragmented efforts to a coordinated, future-focused approach.
The charter’s priorities and industry collaboration
In the coming months, the AiA will present its founding charter, which will outline its core priorities for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and innovation. The primary goal remains clear: to ensure that Africa’s gaming industry develops in a responsible, coordinated, and future-ready manner.
SiGMA: Can you tell us more about the process of establishing the Alliance’s charter and what priorities it will outline for the industry?
Kesitilwe: The process has been consultative, involving regulators, operators, and associations across multiple jurisdictions. We wanted a document that is not imposed from the top down, but one that reflects shared aspirations for Africa’s iGaming future. The charter will outline priorities such as harmonised licensing standards, responsible gambling commitments, fair taxation principles, and structured engagement with governments. It will serve as both a roadmap and a social contract for how we want this sector to evolve.
SiGMA: Bringing together over 10 regulators and seven gaming and fintech associations is an ambitious goal. How do you plan to foster collaboration and ensure that these diverse groups work effectively together?
Kesitilwe: We recognise the diversity of interests, but also the shared goals—protecting players, ensuring integrity, and growing national revenues. The Alliance will adopt a facilitative approach, building trust through dialogue and structured forums. By anchoring collaboration on evidence, shared research, and data transparency, we can align priorities while respecting national sovereignty. My role is to ensure every voice is heard, while keeping the collective mission firmly in focus.
The future of regulation in Africa
Kesitilwe’s appointment as the first CEO of the African iGaming Alliance shows a commitment to elevating industry standards and fostering sustainable growth on the continent.
SiGMA: What opportunities do you foresee in building a coordinated regulatory environment across Africa’s diverse gaming markets, and how do you plan to address them in your leadership?
Kesitilwe: The biggest opportunity lies in creating predictability and stability for all stakeholders. A coordinated regulatory environment will attract investment, curb illegal operators, and expand responsible access for players. It will also empower governments with fairer tax regimes and stronger oversight tools. I will address this by fostering partnerships with continental bodies, developing model standards for local adaptation, and ensuring Africa speaks with one voice in global gaming conversations.
