GRAF 2026: Technology Is the Key to Advancing Gaming Regulation in Africa
The 17th Annual GRAF Conference kicked off in Maputo, Mozambique, under the theme, “Regulation for Transformation. Safer Gambling. Smarter Regulation. Stronger African Collaboration.”
The 2026 edition of the conference has played a critical role in advancing discussions around the importance of adopting technology solutions, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), by regulatory bodies to effectively manage and regulate the gaming industry.
In the official welcome address, Amilcor Tivane, Secretary of Treasure, delivered a keynote on behalf of H.E. Carla Louveira, Minister of Finance, Republic of Mozambique. He shared the importance of having systems in place that would ensure proper regulation of the gambling industry. “Mozambique is implementing new systems for the monitoring of gambling activities.”
He further emphasized the importance of relying on verifiable data in the process of making decisions that are key to the regulation and operation of the gaming industry. “Evidence based decisions through tools are very important for regulators.”
Earlier in the day, Mr. Devon Dalbock, Vice President, Government & Regulatory Affairs, GLI EMEIA, while presenting on the importance of regulators utilizing technologies such as AI and addressing cyber risk and global gaming trends, explored practical strategies for strengthening regulatory effectiveness in a rapidly evolving global gaming ecosystem. “I believe five pillars will shape successful regulatory systems; governance, resilience, intelligence, collaboration and innovation,” he said.
These systems are not only important for effective regulation but also play a critical role in creating trust and confidence in regulatory frameworks.
Devon further stressed the need for collaboration across borders, noting that gambling regulation is primarily conducted at a national level, while gambling itself operates across borders and is increasingly international. He further emphasized the need for technology to be properly applied to effectively regulate the sector.
This point was clearly supported by H.E. Carla Louveira who called for regulators across Africa to unite and address the challenges facing the sector from one front. “There is an opportunity to strengthen the relationships between regulators in the gambling industry across Africa.”
The discussion around technology moving faster than regulation came through even more strongly during a panel session moderated by Mr. Vusi Mtsweni, Chief Executive Officer, Mpumalanga Economic Regulator. The panel discussed the priorities shaping the next phase of African gambling regulation, the pressures driving regulatory change, and what is needed to build more agile, effective and future-ready regulatory environments.
Ms. Angela Mwelu, Senior Vice President for Business Development at Sharp Vision, emphasized the importance of “Efforts by regulators to put systems to ensure that they see activities in realtime.”
According to Angela, technology is moving faster than regulation, not by design, but because the industry is evolving rapidly. This has resulted in regulators constantly trying to catch up with developments within the sector.
While contributing to the discussion, Mr. Muchanankhwaye Mpuluka, Director General of Malawi Gaming and Lotteries Authority, admitted that regulators across Africa have a mountain to climb to remain at par with the rapidly changing gaming industry environment, particularly from a regulatory perspective. “Things are really changing rapidly and this has to be considered by regulators, including the technologies we are using.”
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Ms. Zoe Lin, Senior Strategy and Policy Advisor, National Lottery and Gambling Commission, Rwanda, seconded this view with a practical reference to Rwanda, where the market was closed to licensing and other regulatory activities for 24 months as the country sought to readjust a number of its gaming policies and regulations.
Upon resumption of service delivery, regulators were caught by surprise by how quickly the industry and its technology had evolved during the period they were away, highlighting the speed at which the gaming environment continues to change.
The need for more data-driven and technologically enabled regulation was further highlighted by Peter Emolemo Kesitilwe, CEO, African iGaming Alliance in an exclusive session with iGaming AFRIKA during the conference. Kesitilwe illustrated practical, data-driven regulatory strategies aimed at improving channelisation and strengthening sustainable regulated markets across Africa.
The discussion focused on supporting more effective, responsible and collaborative gambling regulation across African jurisdictions in the digital era. “We need to understand the impact of digital transformation, payment systems, taxation, and technological innovation on gambling regulation, while sharing practical insights on modern enforcement approaches, consumer protection, and cross-border regulatory cooperation.”
Mr. Muchanankhwaye Mpuluka also raised an important concern around regulators in Africa still relying on traditional means of regulating the industry. This remains a challenge that needs to be reviewed and further demonstrates the need for regulators across Africa to adopt the latest technologies that could be key to properly regulating the space.
Speaking exclusively to iGaming AFRIKA, Lungile Dukwana, Acting Chief Executive Officer of South Africa’s National Gambling Board, said that approximately 95% of bets placed in the country are made through digital platforms. Dukwana, who also delivered a presentation at the conference, noted that as players increasingly move online, regulators must follow suit by adopting technology-driven systems to effectively oversee the sector.
Amid the discussions around technology, the conference also saw a strong call for responsible gaming and the protection of minors. “We want to ensure protection of minors, reduction of illegal gambling and this can be achieved if we cooperate in the fight against illegal gambling,” said H.E. Carla Louveira. “The mission is not just collection of taxes, contribution to the public through transparent operations is necessary.”
As the GRAF 2026 Conference continues in Maputo, the discussions have highlighted a clear call for greater industry collaboration, technology adoption and the promotion of responsible gaming across the continent.
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Author: iGaming AFRIKA Journalist
