Botswana’s gambling future hinges on ethics, says BGA CEO
Kemorwale cited the BGA’s oversight since the 2012 Gambling Act and highlighted how transparent rules curb problem gambling, ensure fair operations and generate jobs and taxes for communities.
Botswana.- The acting CEO of the Botswana Gambling Authority, Moruntshi Kemorwale, has stressed that robust governance is essential for sustainable expansion in the nation’s gambling industry. He made the remark at the 4th Annual Wise Leadership Corporate Governance Conference on September 18-19, 2025, while speaking to delegates, including leaders from business, government and various sectors.
Kemorwale, who took the helm in August 2025 after leading responsible gambling efforts, spoke on a panel titled “Building Strong Governance Foundations to Propel Enterprise Growth: Unlocking the Strategic Potential of State-Owned Enterprises”. Under the theme, “Governance as a Catalyst for Botswana’s Economic Growth and #MotshamekoOPhepa Transformation”, he linked ethical practices to protecting players, boosting operator trust and driving economic contributions.
Kemorwale said: “In Botswana’s casinos, sports betting and lotteries, governance isn’t just compliance—it’s the foundation for ethical innovation that builds player confidence and prevents harm.”
He advocated for the use of digital tools to improve regulatory oversight and operator accountability, enabling the industry to grow responsibly. In addition, he shared firsthand accounts from casino staff and bookmakers who prioritise standards that build customer loyalty and national pride.
Panelists, including Botswana Stock Exchange representatives, agreed that accountability is key to avoiding expansion pitfalls.
Recent BGA initiatives under Kemorwale include a July 2025 MOU with Namibia’s Lotteries Board for regulatory alignment and a national study on problem gambling launched in January 2025. These efforts align the sector with global norms, turning gaming into an economic driver for tourism, employment and fiscal stability.
Delegates gained practical tools, including community-involved licensing processes, technology-driven compliance audits and social impact metrics. Kemorwale pledged swift actions, such as digital licensing upgrades, operator partnerships for addiction prevention campaigns, and enhanced data-sharing with stakeholders.
He concluded: “The gambling industry’s future depends on collaboration, and we’re uniting stakeholders to elevate ethical gaming and fuel Botswana’s prosperity.”
