Botswana has solidified its position as a continental leader in responsible gambling and regulatory excellence as policymakers, regulators, operators, and investors gathered for the Betting and iGaming (BiG) Africa Summit 2026. Co-hosted with Eventus International for the second consecutive year, the summit welcomed delegates from across Africa for this premier engagement.

In his keynote address, Assistant Minister of Trade and Entrepreneurship Baratiwa Mathoothe emphasized the government’s balanced approach to sector expansion. “Government does not measure success by revenue alone,” he stated. “Our responsibility is to ensure that growth is supported by sound policy, robust regulation, and strong institutions.”

Minister Mathoothe highlighted the broader ecosystem impact of gambling, which includes fintech innovation, digital payments, tourism, hospitality, retail, and long-term investment attraction. He stressed the importance of keeping responsible gambling at the forefront to protect players, safeguard young people, and mitigate harm as digital access expands.

Moruntshi Kemorwale, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Gambling Authority, reaffirmed the regulator’s commitment to integrity and public trust. “Growth without responsibility is unsustainable,” he declared. “Responsible gambling must remain central to our collective agenda.” He also noted that strong compliance frameworks are not barriers, but rather catalysts for lucrative industries. “Robust anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing controls are enablers of long-term confidence and international legitimacy,” he added.

As the Gambling Authority celebrates its 10th anniversary, Botswana is positioning itself as a regional benchmark for transparent, ethical, and agile regulation, capable of adapting to rapid technological changes, including online gaming, artificial intelligence, and evolving digital payment systems.

The 2026 BiG Africa Summit concluded with a unanimous message: Africa’s gambling sector holds immense potential, but its future must be built on coordinated action, cross-border collaboration, strong consumer protection, and sustainable, inclusive growth. Botswana reaffirmed its commitment to shaping the future of gaming on the continent, signaling its readiness not only to participate in the global gambling ecosystem but to help define its standards.