Namibia calls to “Africanise” the lottery and gambling sector
Namibia urges African lotteries and gaming sector to adopt locally tailored models that boost inclusion, support communities and drive regional collaboration.
Namibia.- Namibia is calling for a radical transformation of Africa’s lottery and gaming industry, urging it to be fully “Africanised” to tackle the continent’s pressing socio-economic challenges and create a fairer, more inclusive system for communities.
Lotteries Board of Namibia CEO John Shimaneni emphasised the need for a localised approach to gaming. “We would rather see 100 million won by 20 people than 200 million won by a single individual,” he said, underscoring the importance of distributing wealth across communities.
Shimaneni made the call at the recent African Lotteries and Gaming Association (ALGA) CEO’s Forum, which served as a pivotal platform for this dialogue. The call for an “Africanised” gaming model is particularly pertinent for Namibia, which is in the process of establishing its own national lottery.
Namibian lottery and gaming executives have already embarked on benchmarking tours to countries such as Kenya and Botswana. However, the ALGA Forum, bringing all stakeholders to one table, is regarded as both highly effective and a golden opportunity.
Gambling beyond jackpots
Shimaneni said that African markets have “distinct social, cultural and economic characteristics that require innovative approaches”. By designing lotteries and gaming platforms with these realities in mind, operators can ensure winnings are spread widely, funding education, healthcare and other public services while promoting responsible participation.
He added that the Forum coincided with Namibia signing a Memorandum of Understanding with neighbouring Botswana to consolidate regional cooperation, emphasising that sitting at one table will fast-track collaboration among countries. “The Forum will assist us in sharing opportunities and failures, which help new players to avoid making the same mistakes.”
The Forum highlighted that gaming tailored to African realities is more than entertainment. It is driving real economic impact, supporting local communities, strengthening economies and giving players a true sense of ownership in a system that works for them.
Shimaneni added: “It should foster inclusion, support local development and create tangible social impact.”
With leaders like Shimaneni driving the transformation, Africa’s lottery and gaming sector is positioning itself as a tool for social and economic development. By embracing homegrown strategies, the industry can create opportunities, uplift communities and show that gambling can deliver more than jackpots; it can deliver progress.
