The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its determination to strengthen Africa’s rapidly evolving gaming industry, promising strategic support as the sector continues its journey toward global relevance and economic impact.

Meanwhile, speaking during the third edition of the African Gaming Expo 2026 held at Eko Hotels and Suites in Lagos, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu emphasised that the state remains committed to helping the industry mature into a well-regulated and internationally competitive ecosystem.

In the same vein, while representing the governor at the event, the Lagos State Secretary to the Government, Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, explained that the gaming landscape across Africa is currently undergoing a remarkable transformation.

So, according to her, a sector that once operated largely outside formal economic structures is steadily evolving into a transparent, structured, and investor-friendly industry.

She noted that governments across the continent are now actively strengthening regulatory institutions while simultaneously deploying modern technology to improve transparency and operational accountability.

As a result, the sector is increasingly attracting global attention and investment.

Furthermore, she stressed that Lagos intends to remain a central driver of this transformation.

Also, by encouraging stronger regulation, responsible operations, and sustainable investment practices, the state government aims to ensure that the industry not only expands but also contributes meaningfully to economic development.

Beyond regulation, Salu-Hundeyin highlighted the sector’s growing intersection with other fast-moving industries.

Increasingly, gaming now overlaps with technology innovation, digital finance, sports development, and youth-focused initiatives.

Consequently, these interconnected sectors are creating new opportunities for entrepreneurship, employment, and digital innovation across Africa.

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She further explained that when governments enforce proper oversight and operators embrace responsible practices, the industry can unlock enormous benefits.

Specifically, it can stimulate investment inflows, generate large-scale employment opportunities, and significantly strengthen government revenue streams.

Again, speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State Lottery and Gaming Authority, Bashir Are, underscored the broader significance of the expo.

According to him, the gathering was intentionally designed to place Africa firmly within the global gaming conversation while opening new pathways for innovation across related industries.

He pointed out that the event has already created measurable economic impact for Lagos. As international delegates, industry experts, and investors arrived in the city, hotels experienced increased occupancy while tourism and business activities surged.

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In effect, the expo has demonstrated how large-scale industry gatherings can stimulate local commerce and elevate the city’s global visibility.

More importantly, Are explained that the event serves as a convergence point for multiple sectors.

While gaming remains the central theme, discussions also explore fintech innovation, digital transformation, and the emergence of new creative talents capable of competing on the global stage.

Delivering the keynote address, Peter Mebert, founder of Merbert Global Launchpad, challenged African entrepreneurs to fully harness the continent’s growing digital capacity.

He urged start-ups to leverage improving infrastructure, expanding talent pools, and increasing technological access to build businesses that can scale far beyond local markets.

According to him, gaming represents one of the world’s fastest-growing digital industries and also serves as a gateway for broader technological innovation.

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However, he stressed that African businesses must adopt deliberate strategies if they hope to compete internationally.

Specifically, Mebert encouraged start-ups to prioritise strong leadership, develop deeper understanding of target markets, and pursue calculated expansion strategies.

Without these foundations, he warned, many promising ventures risk collapsing before reaching their full potential.

He also cautioned that several start-ups fail not because of weak ideas but because of poor strategic direction, limited knowledge of international markets, and leadership gaps that prevent sustainable growth.

Throughout the expo, participants explored several critical themes shaping the future of the industry.

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These discussions focused on strengthening regulatory collaboration, encouraging technological innovation, promoting responsible gaming practices, empowering African youth, and attracting long-term investment capable of sustaining industry growth.

Ultimately, the event reinforced a clear message: Africa’s gaming sector is no longer a peripheral activity operating on the margins of the economy.

Instead, it is rapidly transforming into a structured, technology-driven industry with the potential to influence digital innovation, stimulate economic growth, and create opportunities for millions across the continent.

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