African iGaming regulation must evolve for sustainable growth, says AIA CEO

As Africa's gaming sector continues to grow, regulation must keep pace with changing markets while supporting investment, consumer protection and industry integrity, according to African iGaming Alliance (AIA) CEO Peter Emolemo Kesitilwe.

Kesitilwe shared insights with SiGMA News, discussing the factors shaping Africa's iGaming trajectory towards 2026, highlighting the importance of regulatory certainty, effective channelisation and constructive engagement between regulators and industry.

For the AIA, the focus is not simply on industry growth. It is about building sustainable, trusted and well-regulated markets that benefit consumers, operators and governments alike.

"Regulation must protect consumers and uphold integrity, but it must also create an enabling environment for sustainable investment and innovation," Kesitilwe told SiGMA News.

Regulatory fragmentation remains a barrier to growth

One of the biggest challenges facing African iGaming operators is regulatory fragmentation.

While many African jurisdictions are reviewing or updating their gambling laws, operators expanding across multiple markets often encounter different licensing systems, taxation models, compliance requirements and technical standards.

"One of the biggest barriers remains regulatory fragmentation across African jurisdictions," Kesitilwe said.

"Operators face inconsistent licensing frameworks, taxation models, compliance standards and technical requirements."

According to the AIA, effective regulation is not measured by the number of rules imposed on operators. Instead, success should be judged by outcomes that support consumer protection, market integrity and sustainable compliance.

Greater regulatory coherence can reduce inefficiencies, improve market confidence and create a stronger foundation for long-term industry development.

Why channelisation should be a regulatory priority

Channelisation remains one of the most important objectives for regulators. The goal is to ensure consumers choose licensed and regulated operators rather than unlicensed alternatives that operate outside regulatory oversight.

Kesitilwe warned that poorly designed regulatory frameworks can unintentionally drive consumers away from regulated markets.

"In some markets, excessive taxation and outdated legislation are unintentionally driving consumers toward illegal operators," he said.

"The ultimate objective should be channelisation, ensuring consumers participate within regulated environments where protections exist."

For the AIA, successful regulation should strike a balance between consumer protection, enforcement and commercial viability. Regulated markets are most effective when they remain attractive to both operators and consumers.

Regulatory certainty supports long-term investment

Africa's growing gaming sector continues to attract interest from international operators and investors.

However, long-term investment depends on confidence in the regulatory environment.

"Investors need regulatory certainty, policy consistency and transparent licensing systems," Kesitilwe said.
The AIA believes sustainable market development requires clear rules, predictable regulatory processes and a commitment to evidence-based policymaking.

Regulatory certainty not only supports investment but also encourages responsible operators to enter and remain in regulated markets. The Alliance has consistently advocated for constructive engagement between regulators, governments and industry participants.

"Collaboration between regulators and industry is far more effective than adversarial approaches, particularly in emerging African markets," Kesitilwe said.

Responsible gaming must remain central

For the AIA, responsible gaming is fundamental to a sustainable industry. Kesitilwe said responsible gambling should be viewed as a long-term commitment rather than a simple compliance requirement. "Responsible gambling requires a combination of education, technology and operator accountability," he said.

Measures such as age verification, self-exclusion programmes, affordability assessments and behavioural monitoring can help strengthen player protection and support responsible gambling outcomes.

As markets develop, responsible gaming frameworks must continue to evolve alongside consumer behaviour and regulatory expectations.

Greater cooperation can strengthen African iGaming regulation

Looking ahead, Kesitilwe sees significant potential for greater cooperation across African jurisdictions. While individual countries will continue to maintain their own gambling laws, increased alignment in areas such as responsible gaming, AML/CFT standards, technical compliance and integrity monitoring could strengthen regulatory effectiveness across the continent.

"I do believe there is long-term potential for greater regulatory harmonisation across Africa," he said. "Increased cooperation and alignment can reduce inefficiencies, improve compliance standards and make Africa more attractive for responsible international investment."

For the African iGaming Alliance, the future of African iGaming regulation is not about creating more rules. It is about creating frameworks that are practical, effective and capable of supporting sustainable growth.

"My vision is for Africa to develop into a globally respected, sustainable and well-regulated iGaming market that prioritises consumer protection, innovation, integrity and economic growth," Kesitilwe said.

Achieving that vision will require trust, coordination and a shared commitment to building resilient regulated markets across the continent.