Governor Sanwo-Olu vows to back growth of gaming sector in Africa

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has pledged to back Africa's gaming industry as it evolves from a disjointed, informal sector to a cohesive, globally competitive ecosystem, a transformation his administration is eager to support.

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This commitment was made known on Wednesday during the 3rd edition of the 2026 African Gaming Expo, which took place at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos State, under the theme "Africa's Gaming Market: Frontier to Prominence".

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Representing the Governor, Secretary to the State Government Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin observed that the sector, once on the periphery of the formal economy, is undergoing a deliberate transformation across the continent, with a shift towards a more structured and regulated industry.

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According to Salu-Hundeyin, the gaming industry has undergone significant changes, transforming from a loosely structured and misunderstood sector to one that is now regulated, transparent, and attractive to global investors, a trend that is expected to continue.

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Salu-Hundeyin noted that the gaming sector in Africa has come a long way from its informal and fragmented roots, with Lagos committed to providing support as the industry continues to grow and become more competitive globally.

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The SSG highlighted that governments across the continent are working to strengthen institutions and regulatory frameworks, while advancements in technology are promoting transparency and boosting investor confidence in the gaming sector.

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She emphasized that the gaming industry now intersects with various sectors, including technology, digital finance, sports development, and youth engagement, making it a crucial driver of economic growth and development.

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Salu-Hundeyin also pointed out that when properly regulated and managed, the gaming industry has the potential to generate employment, stimulate investment, and contribute significantly to public revenue, highlighting its importance to the economy.

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Bashir Are, Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State Lottery and Gaming Authority, remarked that the expo was designed to position Africa within the global gaming ecosystem, unlocking opportunities in allied industries and promoting growth.

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Are noted that the event has had a positive impact on tourism and commercial activities in Lagos, with increased hotel occupancy and participation from international delegates, demonstrating the expo's potential to drive economic growth.

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He added that the event goes beyond the gaming industry, connecting fintech and digital innovation, while also showcasing local talent to the global market, highlighting its broader benefits.

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In his keynote address, Peter Mebert, founder of Merbert Global Launchpad, urged African start-ups to leverage improved access to infrastructure and talent to scale their operations globally and compete in the international market.

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Mebert described the gaming industry as a rapidly growing global sector and a platform for broader digital innovation, emphasizing the need for Africa to focus on leadership, market understanding, and strategic expansion to succeed internationally.

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He warned that many start-ups fail due to poor expansion strategies, weak leadership, and inadequate knowledge of foreign markets, highlighting the importance of careful planning and execution for success in the global market.

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The expo's highlight included discussions on key topics such as regulatory collaboration, technological innovation, responsible gaming, youth empowerment, and sustainable investment across Africa, all of which are crucial to the industry's continued growth and development.