Lagos Governor Pledges Support for Africa's Gaming Industry Growth
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has announced his administration's commitment to bolstering Africa's gaming industry as it evolves from a fragmented informal sector into a structured and globally competitive ecosystem. This transformation is being driven by strategic policy initiatives, technological innovation, and increased investment across the continent.
Governor's Address at African Gaming Expo
Governor Sanwo-Olu made this pledge during the third edition of the 2026 African Gaming Expo, held at Eko Hotels and Suites in Lagos. The event, themed "Africa's Gaming Market: Frontier to Prominence," brought together key stakeholders to discuss the sector's future. Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, the governor emphasized that the gaming industry, once operating on the fringes of the formal economy, is now undergoing a deliberate and significant transformation.
According to Sanwo-Olu, the industry has progressed from being loosely structured and often misunderstood to becoming a regulated, transparent, and attractive field for global investors. He highlighted that governments are actively strengthening institutions and regulatory frameworks, while advancements in technology are enhancing transparency and boosting investor confidence. The governor further noted that gaming now intersects with critical areas such as technology, digital finance, sports development, and youth engagement, positioning it as a key driver of economic growth in Africa.
Expo Aims to Position Africa Globally
In his remarks, Bashir Are, Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State Lottery and Gaming Authority, stated that the expo was designed to position Africa within the global gaming ecosystem and unlock opportunities across allied industries. He reported that the event has already boosted tourism and commercial activities in Lagos, with increased hotel occupancy and participation from international delegates, underscoring its economic impact.
Keynote Address on Startup Challenges and Opportunities
During the keynote address, Peter Mebert, Founder of Merbert Global Launchpad, urged African startups to leverage improved access to infrastructure and talent to scale their operations 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 effectively on the international stage.
Mebert also issued a warning, noting that many startups fail due to poor expansion strategies, weak leadership, and inadequate knowledge of foreign markets. He emphasized the importance of addressing these challenges to ensure sustainable growth and success in the competitive global gaming landscape.
This commitment from Lagos State signals a proactive approach to fostering innovation and economic development through the gaming sector, aligning with broader efforts to enhance Africa's digital economy and youth engagement.
