Sanwo-Olu pledges support for Africa gaming industry
File Photo: Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has said that his administration will support Africa’s gaming industry in its transition from a fragmented, informal sector into a structured and globally competitive ecosystem.
Sanwo-Olu disclosed this on Wednesday at the 3rd edition of the 2026 African Gaming Expo held at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos State, with the theme, “Africa’s Gaming Market: Frontier to Prominence”.
Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, noted that the sector, once operating at the margins of the formal economy, is now witnessing deliberate transformation across the continent.
According to the SSG, the industry has evolved from being loosely structured and misunderstood to becoming regulated, transparent, and attractive to global investors.
Salu-Hundeyin said, “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, what was once fragmented and unsettled is becoming structured, regulated, and globally competitive, and Lagos will continue to show support.”
She noted that governments are strengthening institutions and regulatory frameworks, while technology is enabling transparency and boosting investor confidence.
The SSG added that gaming now intersects with technology, digital finance, sports development, and youth engagement, making it a key driver of economic growth.
“When properly regulated and responsibly managed, gaming has immense potential to generate employment, stimulate investment, and contribute meaningfully to public revenue,” she said.
In his remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State Lottery and Gaming Authority, Bashir Are, said the expo was designed to position Africa within the global gaming ecosystem and unlock opportunities across allied industries.
He noted that the event has boosted tourism and commercial activities in Lagos, with increased hotel occupancy and participation from international delegates.
“This event goes beyond gaming. It connects fintech and digital innovation, while also showcasing local talent to the global market,” he said.
In his keynote address, the founder of Merbert Global Launchpad, Peter Mebert, urged African start-ups to leverage improved access to infrastructure and talent to scale globally.
He described gaming as a fast-growing global industry and a platform for broader digital innovation, stressing that Africa must focus on leadership, market understanding, and strategic expansion to compete internationally.
He further warned that many start-ups fail due to poor expansion strategies, weak leadership, and inadequate knowledge of foreign markets.
The highlight of the expo included discussions on regulatory collaboration, technological innovation, responsible gaming, youth empowerment, and sustainable investment across Africa.
