Lagos pledges support for gaming industry
Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has said his administration will support the Africa’s gaming industry which is transitioning from a fragmented, informal sector into a structured and globally competitive ecosystem
- By Zainab Olufemi
Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has said his administration will support the Africa’s gaming industry which is transitioning from a fragmented, informal sector into a structured and globally competitive ecosystem driven by policy, innovation and investment.
Sanwo-Olu said this at the third edition of the 2026 African Gaming Expo held at Eko Hotels and Suites with the theme, Africa’s Gaming Market: Frontier to Prominence.”
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, the governor said the sector, once operating at the margins of the formal economy, is now witnessing deliberate transformation across the continent.
According to him, the industry has evolved from being loosely structured and misunderstood to becoming regulated, transparent and attractive to global investors.
“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,” he said.
He noted that governments are strengthening institutions and regulatory frameworks, while technology is enabling transparency and boosting investor confidence.
He 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 investments and contribute meaningfully to public revenue,” she said.
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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, entertainment and digital innovation, while also showcasing local talents to the global market,” he said.
Delivering his keynote, Founder of Merbert Global Launchpad, Peter Mebert, urged African startups 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 startups fail due to poor expansion strategies, weak leadership and inadequate knowledge of foreign markets.
The expo featured discussions on regulatory collaboration, technological innovation, responsible gaming, youth empowerment and sustainable investment across Africa.
