Article by: Somila Lehloesa

The Summit offered a curated platform for evidence-based dialogue on regulatory reform, responsible gaming, market sustainability, and cross-border collaboration in an increasingly digital environment.

The Power of Collaboration Between Operators and Regulators in Africa

A key panel discussion, titled “The Power of Collaboration Between Operators and Regulators in Africa,” was moderated by Mr. Peter Emolemo Kesitilwe , Chief Executive Officer of the African iGaming Alliance.

Panellists included Mr. Justice Ditlhong (MBA), Head of Compliance at SuperSportBet , Mr. Musa Mngadi , Chief Executive Officer of the African Lotteries & Gaming Association (ALGA), and Mr. Robert Toth , Head of Business Development at ComplyGuard .

The discussion underscored the critical importance of building trust between regulators and operators. Mr. Mngadi highlighted the sector’s commitment to structured engagement, saying, “We are so fragmented as an industry when we should be building one ecosystem that truly works.”

Mr. Ditlhong highlighted his wealth of knowledge on the industty, noting, “Regulatory standards must be enforceable and realistic. Compliance only works if it supports operators in delivering safe and transparent services, rather than pushing activity into unlicensed channels.”

Mr. Toth provided an impactful perspective on illegal markets: “High taxation or rigid frameworks can unintentionally drive players to illegal operators. Collaboration between regulators and licensed operators is the most effective way to reduce these markets, rather than fragmented enforcement.”

He stressed that technology, data-driven monitoring, and aligned policies are key to both preventing illegal operations and enhancing regulatory oversight. The panel also addressed responsible gaming as a shared obligation. “Responsible gaming isn’t optional,” Mr. Mngadi added. “It’s embedded in every licensing, monitoring, and reporting decision. We cannot separate growth from integrity.”

Executive Leadership and Forward-Looking Insights

In the CEOs panel session, Mr. Mngadi captivated the audience with forward-looking insights drawn from his extensive experience. “Leadership at the CEO level must champion shared standards, accountability, and collaboration. Africa’s gaming ecosystem will thrive only when operators and regulators work together, not in isolation,” he said.

This perspective highlighted the importance of executive alignment in fostering ethical governance, cross-border cooperation, and long-term market sustainability.

During the discussion, Mr. Mngadi also highlighted the pivotal role of the African Lotteries and Gaming Association in shaping the continent’s gaming ecosystem. “ALGA has been at the forefront of advocating for structured collaboration between regulators and licensed operators. We have created the CEOs Forum as a dedicated platform where executives from across Africa can engage directly with regulators, share insights, and collectively address challenges like illegal gambling,” he explained. The forum, he noted, serves as both a strategic space for coordination and a tangible demonstration of ALGA’s commitment to sustainable growth, integrity, and market transparency across the continent.

Amplifying Impact Through Media

Candour Conversations served as the Summit’s media partner, conducting interviews with key industry figures including Mr. Hamdy Ashour, of Betway Global , various associates from the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation including, Mr. Witness Saurombe CA (SA). MCom. MBA and Ms. Tumelo Mokoena (MA) , Mr. Kamal Mahajan of Skilrock Technologies, Mr. Justice Ditlhong of SuperSportBet, and Mr. Maurizio Soccodato as well as Mr. Peter Emolemo Kesitilwe , CEO of the African iGaming Alliance . These interviews amplified the Summit’s discussions on collaboration, regulatory clarity, and responsible gaming.

From Dialogue to Coordinated Action

The Summit made it clear that Africa’s gaming and lotteries sector is moving from isolated enforcement to coordinated governance. Cross-border cooperation, structured engagement, and executive alignment are increasingly shaping regulatory evolution.

With preparations underway for the second annual CEOs Forum led by the African Lotteries and Gaming Association, the insights, relationships, and commitments established at the Summit provide a foundation for actionable, sustainable progress across Africa’s gaming ecosystem.