- Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu pledged support for Africa’s gaming industry to become structured and globally competitive
- The 3rd African Gaming Expo showcased digital innovation, regulatory collaboration, and opportunities for youth and start-ups
- Experts urged African start-ups to focus on leadership, market strategy, and infrastructure to succeed globally
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has affirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting Africa’s gaming industry as it transitions from a fragmented, informal sector into a structured, globally competitive ecosystem.
Sanwo-Olu made the disclosure on Wednesday at the 3rd edition of the African Gaming Expo held at Eko Hotels and Suites. Themed “Africa’s Gaming Market: Frontier to Prominence,” the expo attracted local and international stakeholders focused on digital innovation, gaming regulation, and economic growth.
Representing the governor, the Secretary to the State Government, Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, noted that the sector has evolved from operating at the margins of the formal economy to becoming regulated, transparent, and increasingly attractive to global investors.
“Not long ago, the gaming sector across much of Africa existed largely at the edges of the formal economy—fragmented, loosely structured and often misunderstood. Today, it is becoming structured, regulated, and globally competitive, and Lagos will continue to show support,” she said.
Salu-Hundeyin highlighted that technology is enhancing transparency, strengthening institutions, and boosting investor confidence. Gaming now intersects with digital finance, sports development, and youth engagement, making it a significant driver of employment, investment, and public revenue.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State Lottery and Gaming Authority, Bashir Are, stated that the expo positions Africa within the global gaming ecosystem, creating opportunities for fintech integration, tourism, and local talent exposure.
Peter Mebert, founder of Merbert Global Launchpad, urged African start-ups to capitalise on improved infrastructure and talent to scale globally, warning that poor expansion strategies and weak leadership often limit success.
The expo’s highlights included panels on regulatory collaboration, technological innovation, responsible gaming, youth empowerment, and sustainable investment. Stakeholders agreed that structured growth, strategic leadership, and innovation are essential for Africa’s gaming sector to achieve global prominence.