The Association of Gaming Regulators in Africa (AGRA) is pursuing a continent-wide effort to harmonise gambling regulation, strengthen cross-border cooperation, and support safer gaming environments as jurisdictions face rapid industry changes. Speaking exclusively to SiGMA World, AGRA Director of Regulatory Affairs Weldon Koros said the Association’s central purpose is to promote alignment among African regulators and build a collective response to industry challenges. “The main goal of the Association is to promote a unified and well-regulated gambling sector across Africa by developing and harmonising gambling standards to ensure consistency, fairness, and transparency in regulation, certification, and consumer protection across member jurisdictions,” he said.

Koros added that the Association aims to strengthen collaboration among gambling regulators to collectively address common challenges such as illegal gambling, money laundering, and gambling addiction, while also building regulatory capacity through training and technical exchange programs that enhance the competence of regulatory authorities. Through these efforts, Koros said AGRA seeks to create a coherent regulatory environment that protects consumers, promotes responsible gambling, attracts investment, and strengthens public confidence.

Technology regulation and testing framework
As African markets adopt new digital tools and platforms, AGRA is pushing for clear standards to ensure innovation evolves within a fair and safe environment. Koros said the Association supports the introduction of new technologies but stressed the need for oversight. “The Association supports the adoption of new technology and recognises that innovation drives growth and improves efficiency. At the same time, we are committed to ensuring that these developments uphold the principles of integrity and fairness.” He explained that AGRA recommends all new technologies undergo independent testing and certification before being introduced to the market, noting that such testing ensures digital systems meet required standards.

Koros told SiGMA World that AGRA is currently developing a harmonised framework for testing and certification that will guide member states, which aims to support mutual recognition of approved products and establish trust between jurisdictions.

International cooperation

AGRA collaborates with global regulators to strengthen technical capacity and ensure African standards keep pace with international developments. “The Association collaborates with international regulators and organisations through joint initiatives to exchange information, share best practices, and address cross-border challenges such as illegal gambling, money laundering, and gambling addiction,” Koros said.

He added that these partnerships provide access to technical expertise that strengthens the Association’s capacity to tackle complex regulatory issues and ensure African frameworks remain aligned with global practices.

Responsible gaming and player protection

Koros said promoting responsible gambling is central to AGRA’s mandate. “The Association is committed to promoting responsible gaming and protecting individuals who may be vulnerable to gambling-related harm,” he said.AGRA works with regulators to implement policies and programmes that encourage safer play and partners with operators to provide tools such as self-exclusion programs and helplines for at-risk individuals. By sharing best practices and monitoring gambling behaviours, Koros said that AGRA seeks to create a safer environment, reduce problem gambling, and foster responsible play across the continent.

Regulator training and knowledge-sharing

AGRA also acts as a hub for cross-border learning among member regulators. “The Association facilitates collaboration and knowledge sharing among gambling regulators across Africa to strengthen regulatory practices and ensure consistency,” Koros said. He said that workshops, conferences, and information exchanges allow regulators to improve oversight, enhance consumer protection, and develop harmonised standards that support a safe, fair, and transparent gambling sector across the continent.

Outlook for Africa’s gaming industry

Koros noted that Africa’s gambling industry has growth potential over the next five to ten years. He said that this could be driven by technological innovation, provided regulatory systems are equipped to guide that expansion. He said the sector can deliver economic benefits, jobs, and tax revenue if properly regulated, but warned that governments and private operators must focus on shared goals. “Governments and the private sector must work together to ensure the industry’s growth is sustainable by developing clear, harmonised regulatory frameworks, promoting responsible gaming, and fostering transparency and accountability among operators,” he concluded.