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By Lukman Olabiyi
Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting Africa’s gaming industry as it evolves into a structured and globally competitive sector.
Sanwo-Olu made this known at the 3rd edition of the 2026 African Gaming Expo held at Eko Hotels and Suites, where stakeholders gathered under the theme, “Africa’s Gaming Market: Frontier to Prominence.”
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, the governor said the gaming sector in Africa is transitioning from a fragmented and largely informal space into a regulated, transparent, and investment-driven ecosystem.
He noted that the industry, once operating on the margins of the formal economy, is now benefiting from deliberate policy direction, technological innovation, and increased investor confidence.
“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, it is becoming structured, regulated, and globally competitive, and Lagos will continue to support its growth,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu highlighted the role of strengthened regulatory institutions and digital technology in improving transparency and attracting global investors.
He added that the sector’s intersection with fintech, sports development, and youth engagement positions it as a key driver of economic growth.
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According to him, a well-regulated gaming industry has the potential to create jobs, stimulate investments, and boost government revenue.
In his remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State Lottery and Gaming Authority, Bashir Are, said the expo aims to position Africa within the global gaming ecosystem while unlocking opportunities across related industries.
He noted that the event has contributed to tourism and commercial activity 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.
Delivering the keynote address, Peter Mebert, founder of Merbert Global Launchpad, urged African startups to leverage improved infrastructure and talent to scale globally.
He described gaming as a rapidly expanding global industry and a gateway to broader digital innovation, stressing the need for strong leadership, market knowledge, and strategic expansion.
Mebert also cautioned that many startups fail due to poor expansion strategies, weak leadership, and limited understanding of foreign markets.
The expo featured panel discussions on regulatory collaboration, technological innovation, responsible gaming, youth empowerment, and sustainable investment across Africa’s gaming sector.
