Inaugural ALGA forum spotlights Africa’s booming gaming industry
The African Lotteries and Gaming Association (ALGA) recently held its first CEOs Forum, an event dubbed “The Black Table,” which brought together key regulators and industry leaders from across the continent. The primary aim was to foster collaboration, harmonise regulations, and promote responsible growth within Africa’s burgeoning gaming and lottery sector.
Representatives from 23 countries attended the Forum, including Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Benin, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Guinea, and Ethiopia. This diverse assembly marked a significant step forward for Africa’s gaming industry, emphasising its potential as a major driver of economic development and social progress.
Africa’s gaming market: Bigger than a mere prospect
In her keynote address, Dr Jane Mwikali Makau, Chairperson of the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Kenya, addressed the state of the continent’s gaming industry. “Africa is too often spoken of only in terms of potential. The gaming industry, like the continent itself, is already here, creating jobs, supporting livelihoods and demanding governance that reflects our realities,” she said.
Kenya’s Gambling Control Act of 2025 was highlighted as an example of modern, responsible regulation that aims to align with Africa’s evolving needs.
An innovation and growth system
Hosted from 1 September to 4 September, the Forum took place under the theme “A New Chapter for Africa: Gaming as a Catalyst for Development,” underscoring the transformative nature of the sector. The Forum created a platform for showcasing digital innovation from Africa, with more than 650 million smartphone users and approximately $800 billion in mobile money transactions annually. These figures illustrate how technology opens up new opportunities for sustainability and growth in the gaming industry.
Sebina Hlapolosa, Chairman of the Board of ALGA, expressed optimism about the continent’s future. She said, “Africa is standing at the threshold of extraordinary opportunity. With a median age of just 26, we are the youngest continent in the world. This generation is digital, innovative, ambitious and ready to lead.”
Her appeal for a steady growth-related strategy continued throughout much of the proceedings. “Every ticket sold, every digital wager placed should contribute towards schools, hospitals and roads. It should strengthen the communities from where the money comes,” she pressed.
Gambling as a catalyst for jobs and community growth
The Forum emphasised the considerable potential of the sector to create employment opportunities, invigorate local economies, and empower communities. Musa Mngadi, the Chief Executive Officer of ALGA, characterised the gathering as a pivotal moment for the industry. “When we speak with one voice, Africa becomes a market of scale. Together, we can attract investment, accelerate innovation, set world-class standards and influence policy at both national and international levels,” he articulated.
The National Lottery Commissioner of South Africa, Jodi Scholtz, highlighted the social responsibility of the sector. She said, “Most operators contribute a percentage of their revenues towards corporate social responsibility initiatives, as a way of reinvesting in and uplifting communities.” Additionally, she noted that the income from gambling operations has been allocated to support schools, youth initiatives, and senior care initiatives, thereby reflecting the industry’s responsibilities that extend beyond mere entertainment.
Africa’s betting marketplace has a promising future
The inaugural Forum of the African Lotteries and Gaming Association (ALGA) has demonstrated that the African lotteries and gaming industry extends beyond entertainment. It is an excellent engine of employment creation, as well as a catalyst for economic and social growth. With the development of the industry, responsible regulation, technological breakthroughs, and societal investment will unlock the full potential of the Forum.
Through the assembly of regulators and industry stakeholders, the Forum has established a foundation for a future in which Africa’s gaming sector can prosper responsibly, thereby making significant contributions to the continent’s comprehensive development. The message is unequivocal: Africa’s gambling industry is not only enduring but is also positioned to emerge as a formidable catalyst for positive transformation throughout the continent.
