GRAF 2026 opens in Maputo as AI takes regulatory spotlight
First-day sessions examined smarter regulation, AI-driven risks, cybersecurity and the role of independent testing in gambling oversight.
Mozambique.- The 17th annual Gaming Regulators Africa Forum (GRAF) Conference has opened in Maputo, Mozambique, with artificial intelligence (AI) and technology featuring prominently on the regulatory agenda.
The conference is taking place from September 14 to 17 at the Joaquim Chissano International Conference Centre. The opening programme included a Parade of Nations, with the flags of participating countries displayed at the venue before Mozambique’s national anthem was played.
A key session on the first day was delivered by Lungile Dukwana, acting chief executive officer of South Africa’s National Gambling Board (NGB), under the title “Smarter Regulation for a Changing Gambling Industry.” His presentation covered the expansion of online betting, the emergence of new gambling products and technologies, shifts in consumer behaviour and the regulatory risks associated with these developments. He also discussed how research, technology and data can support more informed regulatory decisions.
Player protection was another focus of the opening discussions. Sibongile Simelane-Quntana, executive director of the National Responsible Gambling Programme (NRGP), challenged delegates to consider how technology, big data and AI could be used to strengthen gambling-harm prevention and player protection beyond basic compliance requirements. She emphasised the need for regulatory approaches to keep pace with changes in gambling technology while maintaining prevention and player protection as central objectives.
The day also featured a masterclass by Gaming Laboratories International (GLI) on innovation and sustainability in the gaming ecosystem. The session addressed AI and cybersecurity risks, technical standards and the role of independent testing laboratories in providing regulators with objective assessments of compliance and cybersecurity.
The programme will continue with more sessions examining AI and gambling regulation, illegal online gambling, responsible gambling and regulatory alignment across African jurisdictions. The forum will also feature the inaugural GRAF Regulatory Excellence Awards 2026, recognising individuals and organisations for their contributions to gaming regulation across Africa.
