The African iGaming Alliance (AiA) has launched the inaugural Africa Safer Gambling Week, designed to enhance player protection throughout the continent.
Kicking off on Monday, this initiative unites regulators and industry associations from across Africa and is set to become a yearly event. Its primary goal is to ensure that the expanding gambling sector in Africa is paired with effective consumer protection measures, responsible gambling practices, and increased public awareness.
The campaign, themed #PlaySafeAfrica, dedicates each day of the week to critical aspects of safer gambling, such as promoting responsible gambling, setting personal limits, and preventing underage gambling. A coordinated engagement program will connect regulators with industry members, alongside public education and digital awareness activities.
Peter Kesitilwe, CEO of the AiA, emphasized that as the industry expands, so must its focus on player protection. He stressed the necessity for enhanced collaboration between regulators and operators. "As Africa’s gambling industry continues to grow, player protection must grow with it," he remarked. "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 called on stakeholders within Africa's gambling sector to work together, recognizing that collaboration is crucial as the industry matures. The organization advocates for stronger cooperation, the sharing of best practices, and highlighting safer gambling in policy discussions.
Furthermore, the Africa Safer Gambling Week aims to underscore the significance of directing players toward legal offerings, warning that the black market typically overlooks player protection. Olabimpe Akingba, head of responsible gaming at pawaTech and AiA board member, noted that this initiative embodies the association’s commitment to translating cross-border collaboration in Africa’s iGaming sector into actionable measures for player protection. "At the African iGaming Alliance, we have been committed to moving beyond conversations about collaboration across African jurisdictions towards meaningful action," she said. "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 Monday, the AiA announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Association of Nigerian Bookmakers to foster closer ties regarding issues in Nigeria and across the continent. This agreement will explore collaboration in areas such as safer gambling, player protection, and taxation. This marks the AiA's second MoU in three weeks, following an agreement with the Association of Gaming Operators of Kenya in late August.
