This week in London, African regulators convened to strengthen collaboration on licensing, taxation, and player protection within the continent's flourishing gambling industry. The gathering was organized by the African iGaming Alliance (AiA) as part of a high-level session during the iGB L!VE 2026 conference on July 2.
The meeting attracted chief executives and senior officials from at least eight African countries: Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda, Malawi, Rwanda, Ghana, Tanzania, and Angola. They shared insights and experiences on pressing regulatory challenges.
With Africa's digital betting sector on a rapid growth trajectory, discussions revolved around sustainable taxation models that not only generate government revenue but also maintain market competitiveness. Strategies were discussed to steer players toward licensed operators and to bolster player protection mechanisms.
A key technical presentation by H2 Gambling Capital provided valuable insights into global taxation frameworks and highlighted the intricate relationship between tax policy, player protection, and sustainable revenue generation. Participants stressed the need for balanced tax regimes that encourage regulatory compliance while ensuring consumer protection and promoting long-term industry growth.
A major outcome from the meeting was the advancement of a new initiative: Africa Safer Gambling Week, proposed by the AiA. This event is designed to promote unified messaging and coordinate education efforts among regulators, operators, and other stakeholders to foster responsible gambling practices.
Organizers noted several other crucial agreements, including a reinforced commitment to cross-border regulatory cooperation and the pursuit of evidence-based policymaking supported by accurate and updated market data. Ongoing discussions on taxation strategies aim to harmonize governmental revenue objectives with market competitiveness and player safety. Enhanced cross-border efforts to counter unlicensed and illegal gambling operations were also agreed upon.
Peter Emolemo Kesitilwe, CEO of the African iGaming Alliance, remarked, "Africa’s gaming industry continues to grow rapidly, making regulatory collaboration more important than ever." He further stated, "Today’s discussions demonstrated the commitment of African regulators to work together in addressing common challenges, sharing best practices, and building regulatory frameworks that promote responsible gambling, consumer protection, and sustainable market development. AiA remains committed to providing a platform that supports this collaboration for the benefit of the continent."
Regulatory coordination is essential as Africa's betting market expands due to liberalization and increased internet and mobile access. In that context, Bola Group has launched a betting platform via WhatsApp, timed for the World Cup. Chatbet, powered by ChatLayer Media Technologies, allows players to receive odds and place bets through either messages or voice notes on WhatsApp.
Several jurisdictions are reforming their licensing frameworks or adjusting taxation systems to better capture online revenues. However, regulators contend with persistent competition from offshore platforms and informal operators that undermine compliance and tax collection.
The London meeting offered a platform for regulators to share their approaches. For example, Nigeria’s Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority, South Africa’s National Gambling Board, and Ghana’s Gaming Commission have taken steps to enhance oversight and are exploring data-driven compliance technologies.
Leading up to the World Cup, the NGB issued warnings about a rise in illegal online gambling platforms that deceive users by imitating reputable bookmakers through the misappropriation of names, logos, and branding. Smaller markets like Rwanda and Malawi are concentrating on capacity building and improved intelligence sharing to tackle illegal operators.
