- OVERVIEW -

OVERVIEW

The Association of Gaming Regulators in Africa is a continental body that brings together government agencies responsible for regulating gambling across Africa to foster collaboration in addressing the social and economic impacts of gambling.

The Association works to ensure that gambling activities are conducted responsibly and in accordance with international best practices. It also promotes the harmonization of standards, capacity building and knowledge exchange among member states.

In pursuit of this shared vision, the founding Member States have adopted the following preamble to guide their collective Mission:

PREAMBLE

We, HEADS OF STATE AND GOVERNMENT of the AFRICAN UNION,

INSPIRED by the objectives and principles enshrined in the Constitutive Act of the African Union, adopted in Lomé, Togo, on 11 July 2000, and the Treaty Establishing the African Economic Community, adopted in Abuja, Nigeria, on 3 June 1991.

HAVING REGARD to the aspirations of Agenda 2063, which envisions a continental market with the free movement of persons, capital, goods, and services, which are crucial for deepening economic integration.

DESIRING to regulate gambling activities effectively and responsibly across the continent to protect the social, cultural, and economic well-being of our citizens.

RECOGNIZING the significant role of gambling regulation in combating illegal activities, protecting vulnerable groups, ensuring fair practices, and promoting sustainable economic development.

CONSCIOUS of the increasing challenges posed by the expansion of gambling activities, including the risks of addiction, money laundering, exploitation of minors and the need to promote prevention, awareness, and access to addiction support services.

AWARE of the threat that gambling poses to the integrity of sports, including match-fixing and manipulation of sporting events.

ACKNOWLEDGING the shared responsibility of Member States to address cross-border social and economic impacts of gambling, regulate online gambling, combat illegal gambling and uphold the rule of law.

DETERMINED to promote collaboration and mutual assistance among Member States in addressing shared challenges, fostering innovation, and safeguarding the integrity of gambling activities.

RECOGNIZING the need for an organization that strengthens cooperation, enhances knowledge sharing, promotes the harmonization of gambling standards, safeguards sports integrity, and provides technical support to gambling regulators across Africa.

MINDFUL of the right of Member States to regulate gambling activities within their territories, and the flexibility of State Parties to achieve legitimate policy objectives related to gambling regulation.

CONVINCED that the establishment of an inter-governmental organization to be known as the Association of Gaming Regulators in Africa will enable African Union Member States to collaborate in addressing social and economic impacts of gambling.

HAVE AGREED AS FOLLOWS: