Speaking as GRAF 2026 got underway, Mozambique\u2019s Secretary of State for the Treasury and Budget, Am\u00edlcar Tivane, set out the government\u2019s vision for the sector. \u201cOur vision is of a State that is not against economic activity, but that establishes clear rules<\/strong>, ensures fair competition<\/strong>, protects the citizen and ensures that the benefits of the activity contribute to national development,\u201d Tivane said, according to Mocnoticias. GRAF 2026, which began in Maputo on September 14, drew to a close on September 17.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tivane\u2019s comments come after Mozambique approved a dedicated online gambling framework<\/a> on July 14. The Council of Ministers approved the Regulation on the Operation and Practice of Games of Chance through Electronic or Computerised Means, creating a separate concession regime for online games of chance, distinct from the system governing land-based casinos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The regulatory push also comes against weaker casino tax revenues<\/strong>. Mozambique collected MZN359.5m (US$4.8m) in casino taxes in 2025, just 54 per cent of the MZN666.1m (US$8.8m) budgeted for the year. The government linked the expansion of online gambling to declining casino tax revenues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The government then moved towards implementation. In August, Economy Minister Bas\u00edlio Muhate outlined priorities for the framework<\/a>, including consumer protection, responsible gambling and regulatory modernisation. Tivane\u2019s comments at GRAF 2026 come as the government continues that broader focus as digital gambling expands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The government\u2019s new regulatory framework aims to curb informality, ensure legal compliance<\/strong> and mitigate risks around data and player protection as digital platforms and online gambling expand, according to Rep\u00f3rter Nacional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n GRAF 2026 brought together regulators and other stakeholders from across Africa to exchange knowledge and strengthen cooperation between jurisdictions. The government highlighted gaming\u2019s contribution to the national economy<\/strong> through employment, investment and state revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On the first day of GRAF 2026, AI and technology<\/a> featured prominently on the agenda, alongside player protection and responsible gambling. Sessions examined AI-driven risks, cybersecurity and how technology can support gambling regulation.<\/p>\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/focusgn.com\/africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2026\/09\/photo-1540575467063-178a50c2df87-300x200.jpg\")
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