Gaming Tech Summit Africa day one kicks off with focus on collaboration and problem-solving
The first day of the Gaming Tech Summit Africa (GTSA) opened in Nairobi, led by Master of Ceremonies Ian Muiruri and co-host Christine Akoyo. Organisers kicked off the event by highlighting its mission to solve challenges. They aim to create partnerships, improve regulatory standards, and use technology to shape Africa’s gaming sector. Dr. Jane Mwikali Makau, chair of the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB), joined other industry experts, operators, and regulators at the summit.
David Moshi’s opening address
David Moshi, the Managing Director at Velex Advisory, kicked off the summit with an opening speech. He shared thoughts about how the idea of GTSA grew into something tangible. “GTSA took a while to become a reality,” he said as he highlighted the growing involvement of countries from around the globe. “Last year, we had participants from 12 countries; this year, the number has climbed to 22.” He then named a few places from which delegates had come, including Burundi, Ethiopia, Botswana, Angola, Namibia, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Togo, South Africa, and many more.
Moshi highlighted that GTSA serves as a hands-on platform. It enables stakeholders to establish partnerships and address shared concerns, such as digital transformation and responsible gaming.
Balancing innovation and responsibility
Peter Mbugi, CEO of the Betting Control and Licensing Board, gave a keynote focused on combining innovation with protecting players. He highlighted the involvement of operators, regulators, and platform providers, emphasising the importance of having a flexible yet accountable industry.
“Let’s all agree that is more than just an event,” he said. “We should leave this summit with fresh partnerships and ideas. This is about shaping a future centred on accountability.”
Memorandum of understanding launch
Weldon Koros from the Association of Gaming Operators Kenya (AGOK) spoke about a significant Memorandum of Understanding signed earlier this year with several regulatory agencies. This agreement, scheduled to take effect in August 2025, aims to simplify cross-border licensing for operators and crack down on illegal gaming activities.
“You won’t find illegal African gaming operators aiming at foreign markets,” Koros emphasised. “Why do foreign regulators allow illegal operators from abroad to establish themselves here? Just something to reflect on.”
Koros encouraged anyone present to scrutinise jurisdictional loopholes and advocated for collaborative enforcement plans that safeguard both consumers and legitimate businesses.
Leadership takes the spotlight
Dr. Jane Mwikali Makau, the chair, stepped onto the stage to introduce regulatory leaders from across Africa. Those present included lottery commissioners and data-protection authorities, with each emphasising their dedication to a balanced strategy. They highlighted protecting public interest while promoting the industry’s growth as key goals.
“Let us be bold yet measured and innovative yet responsible”,” Makau said. She emphasised the importance of collaborating with multiple agencies to combat money laundering, educate consumers, and certify platforms.
Industry response
Operators who attended the summit’s first day spoke highly of its cooperative atmosphere. “It’s good to see both regulators and tech companies sitting together to create practical solutions,” said a delegate working in Ghana’s lottery industry. A representative from a Namibian sports betting firm noted that sharing regional data standards can reduce reconciliation expenses by as much as 20%.
GTSA 2025 in Nairobi got off to a strong start. The summit combined strategic discussions, regulatory perspectives, and tech demonstrations, reinforcing its goal to address real-world challenges.
