Gaming In Africa: Sanwo-Olu Backs Industry’s Growth

By Love Oyedokun

The African gaming industry is undergoing a significant transformation, evolving from a fragmented and informal sector to a structured and globally competitive ecosystem driven by policy, innovation, and investment. This was the central theme of the 3rd edition of the 2026 African Gaming Expo, held at Eko Hotels and Suites in Lagos, Nigeria. The event, which was attended by industry stakeholders, policymakers, and investors, provided a platform for discussions on the future of the gaming industry in Africa and its potential for global growth.

Cablenews24 reports that Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting the growth of the gaming industry in Africa. He noted that the sector, which was once operating at the margins of the formal economy, is now witnessing deliberate transformation across the continent. The industry has evolved from being loosely structured and misunderstood to becoming regulated, transparent, and attractive to global investors.

According to Governor Sanwo-Olu, the gaming industry has immense potential to generate employment, stimulate investments, and contribute meaningfully to public revenue. He emphasized the importance of proper regulation and responsible management of the industry, highlighting the need for governments to strengthen institutions and regulatory frameworks. The Governor also noted that technology is enabling transparency and boosting investor confidence, making the industry more attractive to global investors.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State Lottery and Gaming Authority, Bashir Are, emphasized the importance of the African Gaming Expo in positioning Africa within the global gaming ecosystem. He noted that the event has boosted tourism and commercial activities in Lagos, with increased hotel occupancy and participation from international delegates. The expo, which featured discussions on regulatory collaboration, technological innovation, responsible gaming, youth empowerment, and sustainable investment, provided a platform for industry stakeholders to connect and explore opportunities for growth.

The gaming industry is becoming a key driver of economic growth in Africa, intersecting with technology, digital finance, sports development, and youth engagement. The industry has the potential to generate significant revenue, create jobs, and stimulate investments. However, it requires proper regulation and responsible management to ensure that its benefits are maximized.

The founder of Merbert Global Launchpad, Peter Mebert, delivered a keynote address at the expo, urging African startups to leverage improved access to infrastructure and talent to scale globally. He described gaming as a fast-growing global industry and a platform for broader digital innovation, stressing that Africa must focus on leadership, market understanding, and strategic expansion to compete internationally.

Mebert warned that many startups fail due to poor expansion strategies, weak leadership, and inadequate knowledge of foreign markets. He emphasized the importance of understanding the global market, building strong leadership, and developing effective expansion strategies to succeed in the gaming industry.

Lagos State is positioning itself as a hub for gaming and entertainment in Africa, with the state government providing support for the growth of the industry. The state’s infrastructure, talent pool, and business-friendly environment make it an attractive destination for investors and industry stakeholders.

The African Gaming Expo is an annual event that brings together industry stakeholders, policymakers, and investors to discuss the future of the gaming industry in Africa. The event provides a platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and deal-making, and is an important catalyst for the growth of the industry in the region.

The future of gaming in Africa is bright, with the industry expected to continue growing in the coming years. However, there are also challenges that need to be addressed, including the need for proper regulation, responsible management, and infrastructure development.

The African Gaming Expo provided a platform for industry stakeholders to discuss these challenges and opportunities, and to explore ways to address them. The event featured discussions on regulatory collaboration, technological innovation, responsible gaming, youth empowerment, and sustainable investment, and provided a roadmap for the growth of the industry in the region.

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The African gaming industry is on the rise, with Lagos State playing a key role in its growth. The state government’s support for the industry, combined with the efforts of industry stakeholders and investors, is expected to drive the growth of the sector in the coming years. The African Gaming Expo is an important event that brings together industry stakeholders, policymakers, and investors to discuss the future of the gaming industry in Africa, and provides a platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and deal-making.

As the gaming industry continues to evolve and grow, it is expected to have a significant impact on the economy and society in Africa. The industry has the potential to generate significant revenue, create jobs, and stimulate investments, and its growth is expected to have a positive impact on the continent’s economic development.

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