Gaming Tech Summit Africa 2024 highlights urgent need for regulation

Conference attendees were able to gain insight into Africa's diverse gaming industry by learning from representatives from more than 12 countries, each of which showcased their unique perspectives and experiences.

According to Jane Makau, chairperson of the Gaming Licensing and Control Board, Kenya's gaming industry is 58 years old, but the laws governing it are still based on a 1966 Act. However, it was noted that Kenya is currently working on a new bill, the Kenya Gambling Control Bill 2023, which aims to refine the gambling sector, prioritise consumer protection and promote responsible gambling.

The project also proposes the establishment of a Gaming Regulatory Authority to replace the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB). Judy Kericho, Head of Legal Affairs at BCLB, emphasised the importance of monitoring operators' compliance with licensing requirements.

Botswana, on the other hand, has 2016 legislation that incorporates aspects of electronic monitoring systems. The country's Gaming Authority has been deliberately planning amendments to keep up with recent developments in online gaming, with the intention of doing so gradually and meticulously to ensure accuracy and effectiveness.

Surprisingly, countries like Namibia are still in the process of regulating the industry: ‘All operators in the sector are not regulated, but once a regulation is published, all operators will be licensed,’ said Ben Shikongo, chairman of the Namibian Gaming Board.

In Nigeria, which has the second largest online gaming market in Africa, there is a growing need for regulation to protect consumers and operators. The country has a mix of legal and illegal gambling, and different states have different policies regulating the industry.

In addition, it became clear that several African countries are considering regulation as a means to clean up the gaming industry and bring it in line with international standards. 

"A new policy will be published next year, as we have three licensed companies. We need to make sure that our regulations are up to date to meet the growing demand for online gaming,’ said Jean Claude, Director of the Rwanda Gaming Association, during a panel discussion. 

Paulo Jorge, Director General of the Instituto de Angola Supervisao de Jogos, emphasised the importance of regulators being lenient, particularly in young African countries that have faced turbulence, such as civil wars and natural disasters, in order to attract investors.

By Linah Musyoka