COMESA’s new digital payments platform set to transform African online gambling
COMESA launches a new regional platform across 21 African member states, set to simplify cross-border transactions and fuel growth in the continent’s online betting industry.
Kenya.- The launch of COMESA’s (Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa) Digital Retail Payments Platform is set to revolutionise online gambling across Africa. COMESA is a regional economic bloc of 21 African member states that aims to facilitate trade, financial integration and cross-border transactions.
The platform’s ability to handle cross-border payments in local currencies is set to benefit online betting operators and was officially launched on October 9, 2025.
Kenya, as one of COMESA’s largest member states, has played a key role in the launch, with government officials highlighting the country’s perspective on regional trade and financial integration.
Kenya’s Trade Minister, Lee Kinyanjui, said the platform is a “game-changer”. For the first time, cross-border trade within COMESA can be settled directly in local currencies,” he said.
For gambling operators, this means faster deposits, instant withdrawals and fewer fees, making it easier to attract and retain players across borders.
President William Ruto also emphasised Kenya’s commitment to regional financial integration, adding: “One of the most viable pathways for Africa, and for regional economic blocs like COMESA, is to strengthen our home-grown multilateral financial institutions.”
For online gambling, this could encourage harmonised regulations across COMESA member states, providing safer and more transparent experiences for players and operators alike.
Financial inclusion drives growth
Financial inclusion is another major plus. As more Africans gain access to digital financial services, a wider audience is set to benefit from mobile betting, casino games and lottery platforms. Operators adopting COMESA’s system could see dramatic growth in users and transaction volumes.
Although primarily trade-focused, the ripple effects on online gambling are clear. COMESA’s platform promises reduced transaction costs, smoother cross-border payments and increased trust in local currencies, all critical for a thriving digital betting ecosystem.
For operators, the message is clear: integrating this payment system now could mean a strategic edge in Africa’s rapidly expanding online gambling market.
