Gaming Regulators Africa Forum 2026 to highlight stronger regulation and player protection
Regulators, legal experts and industry stakeholders will gather in Mozambique in September as compliance, responsible gambling and stronger licensed operations shape the 2026 agenda.
Mozambique.- The Gaming Regulators Africa Forum (GRAF) said enforcement, compliance and player protection are emerging as key themes ahead of GRAF 2026, with regulators across Africa sharpening their focus on illegal gambling, ethical operations and responsible gaming standards.
The annual forum will take place in Mozambique from September 14 to 17 and is expected to bring together regulators, policymakers and industry stakeholders from across the continent.
As Africa’s regulated gambling industry continues to expand across both land-based and online markets, GRAF 2026 is expected to focus on strengthening licensed operations while increasing pressure on illegal operators. Licensing standards, anti-money laundering controls, taxation and cross-border regulatory cooperation are also expected to feature prominently in the September discussions.
GRAF confirmed that its call for community input for the 2026 programme closed on April 15, with contributions already helping shape the conference agenda. The forum also recognised its first GRAF Community Contributors, highlighting voices from across the regulatory and compliance landscape whose submissions are informing key programme themes.
Contributors highlight vital themes
Among the contributors was Wendy Rosenberg, a South African gambling law specialist and Director at Werksmans Attorneys, who was highlighted for “Emphasising the dual challenge of combating illegal gambling while creating a more enabling environment for licensed operators”.
Marcia-Lynn Harris, a compliance professional linked to the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board, was noted for “Highlighting challenges around regulatory capacity, talent retention and preparing for generational shifts in gambling behaviour”.
Adedeji Alabi, Founder of the Youth Advocacy on Gambling Initiative Nigeria (YAGI Nigeria), was recognised for “Raising the need for stronger focus on underage gambling, advertising exposure and accountability in the use of gambling revenue”. His contribution reinforced the forum’s growing focus on responsible gambling measures and stronger safeguards across African markets.
Thys De Beer, identified as an industry contributor, was recognised for “Prompting discussion on what defines an ethical operator and how regulators can ensure ethical conduct across the sector”.
Summing up the direction of the event, GRAF said: “Across these contributions, a number of important themes are emerging – from enforcement and compliance to sustainability, data and player protection. Your perspectives are helping ensure that GRAF 2026 reflects the real challenges and priorities across the continent. Be part of the conversation. Join us in Mozambique from September 14-17 2026.”
As governments across Africa continue tightening oversight of both retail and digital gambling markets, the issues highlighted ahead of GRAF 2026 suggest that stronger enforcement against illegal operators and more measurable responsible gambling policies will remain central to regulatory discussions throughout the year.
