GRAF and SiGMA to convene regulatory forum at SiGMA Africa 2026
The invitation-only event is designed to address the complex regulatory environment across African gambling markets.
South Africa.- The Gaming Regulators Africa Forum (GRAF) and SiGMA are joining forces to host a regulatory session at SiGMA Africa 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa, as the continent’s gambling industry experiences rapid market expansion and growing demand for clearer governance.
The high-level regulatory forum, titled “From Discussion to Direction: Advancing Harmonised Licensing, Responsible Gambling and Technology-Enabled Solutions in Africa”, is scheduled for Thursday, March 5, from 9:00am to 12:00pm, at GrandWest’s Roxy Revue.
The invitation-only event is designed to address the complex regulatory environment across African gambling markets, where diverse licensing systems, digital platforms and cross-border operations make unified frameworks both desirable and challenging. With regulators, CEOs and executive decision-makers in attendance, the forum aims to strengthen cooperation and foster greater predictability for operators navigating a patchwork of rules and compliance regimes.
Leadership from GRAF has emphasised that Africa’s gambling markets are evolving rapidly and that regulatory frameworks must evolve in parallel. According to Mabutho Zwane, GRAF President, the forum is intended to advance alignment that prioritises responsible gambling, embraces technology and supports practical cooperation across jurisdictions.
The forum’s agenda will move beyond general discussion towards concrete insights, including presentations from selected African jurisdictions on their current licensing approaches, responsible gambling strategies and regulatory technology use.
Attendees will also review survey-based data on the feasibility of, and barriers to, harmonising frameworks. Expert panel dialogues will explore achievable elements of regulatory alignment and the role of technology in enforcing responsible gambling principles.
SiGMA Africa 2026 Summit, scheduled for March 3 to 6, brings together operators, regulators, technology providers and investors to explore market opportunities and challenges as the African gaming sector continues to grow.
The summit has garnered endorsements from local regulators in South Africa, including the Eastern Cape Gambling Board, highlighting its importance as a forum for policy development, innovation and sector collaboration.
