The African iGaming Alliance (AiA) has launched its first Africa Safer Gambling Week, a new initiative aimed at enhancing player protection across the continent. Kicking off on Monday, this annual event unites various stakeholders, including regulators and industry associations, with the goal of supporting responsible gambling practices and increasing public awareness alongside the growth of the gambling sector in Africa.
Under the campaign hashtag #PlaySafeAfrica, each day of the week will spotlight a different aspect of safer gambling, addressing issues like responsible gambling habits, setting personal limits, and preventing underage gambling.
This weeklong program will feature coordinated efforts between regulators and industry representatives, focused on public education and activities that raise digital awareness about gambling safety.
Peter Kesitilwe, the CEO of the AiA, underscored the necessity of aligning industry growth with enhanced player protection. He stressed the significance of cooperation between regulators and operators, stating, "As Africa’s gambling industry continues to grow, player protection must grow with it. Africa Safer Gambling Week brings regulators and industry together around a shared commitment to safer gambling and stronger consumer protection. We fully support consumers having the tools and information they need to gamble responsibly; this week, like every week, is about ensuring our customers’ safety."
The AiA has urged the African gambling sector's stakeholders to collaborate more closely, emphasizing that as the industry evolves, such partnerships become critical. The association highlighted the need to strengthen cooperation, share best practices, and ensure that safer gambling remains a priority on the policy agenda.
Furthermore, the Africa Safer Gambling Week will underline the importance of directing consumers towards legal gambling offerings, warning that the black market often overlooks player protection.
Olabimpe Akingba, head of responsible gaming at pawaTech and an AiA board member, expressed that the initiative embodies the AiA's commitment to transforming cross-border collaboration in Africa's iGaming sector into tangible action regarding player safety.
She stated, "At the African iGaming Alliance, we have been committed to moving beyond conversations about collaboration across African jurisdictions towards meaningful action. And what better place to demonstrate that commitment than through player protection? The Africa Safer Gambling Week is our collaboration in action."
On the same day, the AiA announced it had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Association of Nigerian Bookmakers, aimed at fostering closer collaboration on issues pertinent to both Nigeria and the wider African context, including safer gambling, player protection, and taxation.
This MoU is the AiA's second in three weeks, following a similar agreement with the Association of Gaming Operators of Kenya established in late August.
