Gaming and esports took centre stage at the 3rd African Gaming Expo in Lagos, with stakeholders calling for stronger regulation, increased investment, and a clearer path to global competitiveness.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed government support for the sector, highlighting its shift from an informal and fragmented space into a more structured and investor-friendly ecosystem.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, he pointed to the rapid transformation already underway across the continent.

“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,” he said.

“Today, what was once fragmented and unsettled is becoming structured, regulated, and globally competitive, and Lagos will continue to show support.”

He noted that stronger regulation, advancing technology, and growing investor confidence are reshaping the industry, which now intersects with fintech, sports, and youth engagement.

“When properly regulated and responsibly managed, gaming has immense potential to generate employment, stimulate investments, and contribute meaningfully to public revenue,” she said.

Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State Lottery and Gaming Authority, Bashir Are, said the expo is helping position Africa within the global gaming ecosystem while boosting tourism and commercial activity in Lagos.

“This event goes beyond gaming. It connects fintech, digital innovation, while also showcasing local talents to the global market,” he said.

Esports also emerged as a major talking point, driven by Africa’s youthful population. However, stakeholders highlighted infrastructure gaps, limited funding, and policy uncertainty as key challenges slowing its growth.

Across panel sessions, industry players stressed the need for unified regulatory standards to reduce fragmentation and support cross border expansion, while calling for stronger collaboration between governments and private investors.

Fintech was central to discussions, with seamless payments and mobile first solutions seen as critical to improving user experience and driving adoption.

Keynote speaker Peter Mebert urged African startups to scale globally, warning that weak leadership, poor expansion strategies, and limited knowledge of foreign markets continue to hold many back.

By the close of the expo, stakeholders aligned on four priorities including unified regulation, increased esports investment, clearer legal frameworks, and continued innovation in engagement and payments.

The event reinforced a clear direction as Africa’s gaming industry expands beyond betting, with gaming, esports, and digital innovation now driving its next phase of growth.

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