Africa’s gambling industry looks to Ghana’s 5/90 Lottery to lead the continent in 2026
Ghana’s flagship 5/90 lottery is setting the standard as other African countries adopt its model ahead of 2026 reforms in governance and new gaming products.
Ghana.- Ghana’s 5/90 lottery is rapidly emerging as a benchmark for lottery operations across Africa, with several countries studying the model as they modernise their gaming sectors.
The growing influence of the 5/90 product was highlighted by the Director-General of the Ghana National Lottery Authority (NLA), Mohammed Abdul Salam, during a Board meeting of the African Lottery Association (ALA) held in Accra.
Lottery regulators and operators from across Africa came together at the ALA Board meeting to reflect on 2025 and set a bold agenda for 2026. At the centre of their discussions was how to align regulations and create a more coordinated and efficient approach as the continent’s lottery markets continue to grow.
According to Abdul Salam, Ghana’s lottery framework has evolved into a continental reference point for best practice, particularly in governance and product design. “A lot of countries across Africa are emulating the example of Ghana when it comes to the 5/90 lottery,” said Abdul Salam, according to The Herald Ghana.
Abdul Salam, who also serves as Vice President of the ALA said the meeting reinforced the need for a unified approach to lottery governance. “Africa needs a common platform where we can share best practices and learn governance protocols for lotteries and betting,” he said.
Setting the standard for African lotteries
The ALA is currently led by Dramane Coulibaly, Director-General of Côte d’Ivoire’s National Lottery (LONACI), as President, with Ghana playing a key leadership role on the Board. ALA is a regional organisation representing state-authorised lottery operators across Africa and works with global bodies to share best practices and standards.
The meeting went beyond product innovation, with a strong focus on governance reforms, cybersecurity and how technology is increasingly shaping lottery operations. Training programs in cybersecurity and blockchain-based lottery systems have already been held in Côte d’Ivoire and Morocco to help strengthen operational standards across the continent.
Committees are being established within the association to build expertise in governance, compliance and operational efficiency, helping African operators adapt to increasingly digital markets.
Looking ahead, Abdul Salam said 2026 would bring a phase of reforms for Ghana’s lottery sector, including governance changes and the introduction of new products for players. He added: “We will be seeing reforms as far as the governance of the National Lottery Authority is concerned. We will also be introducing more products for the gaming public.”
While sports betting and other gaming verticals continue to grow across the continent, Abdul Salam emphasised that Ghana’s lottery framework, anchored by the 5/90 product, continues to influence how African lotteries evolve.
