The Association of Gaming Regulators in Africa (AGRA) has initiated a coordinated campaign to harmonise gambling regulation, strengthen cross-border collaboration, and enhance consumer protection in response to rapid industry expansion. Speaking to SiGMA World, AGRA Director of Regulatory Affairs Weldon Koros highlighted the Association’s mission to create consistency in regulatory practices and establish a continent-wide framework that supports transparency, fairness, and responsible gambling.
Koros explained that AGRA’s focus includes addressing shared challenges such as illegal gambling, money laundering, and rising risks related to gambling addiction. To elevate regulatory capacity, the organisation is promoting technical exchange programs, training initiatives, and workshops that allow national authorities to adopt stronger oversight mechanisms. This collaborative approach is designed to improve enforcement capabilities while creating a more unified understanding of regulatory standards among member states.
As African markets rapidly adopt digital platforms and innovative technologies, AGRA is emphasizing the importance of robust testing and certification. The Association is developing a harmonised framework to guide the assessment of new systems, ensuring products meet critical safety and integrity benchmarks before entering the market. This initiative also aims to enable mutual recognition of certified technologies, increasing trust and reducing duplication across jurisdictions.
International cooperation forms a core element of AGRA’s strategy. By working with global regulators and organisations, AGRA seeks to align African practices with international standards while gaining access to technical expertise. These partnerships strengthen the continent’s ability to address complex regulatory issues.
Looking ahead, Koros expects Africa’s gaming industry to grow significantly over the next decade, driven by technological innovation and expanding digital access. He emphasised that collaboration between governments and private stakeholders will be essential to ensuring sustainable growth supported by clear and harmonised regulatory frameworks.
