{"id":9044,"date":"2025-09-24T11:10:58","date_gmt":"2025-09-24T14:10:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/focusgn.com\/africa\/?p=9044"},"modified":"2026-04-19T13:37:21","modified_gmt":"2026-04-19T16:37:21","slug":"namibia-calls-to-africanise-the-lottery-and-gaming-sector","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/focusgn.com\/africa\/namibia-calls-to-africanise-the-lottery-and-gaming-sector","title":{"rendered":"Namibia calls to \u201cAfricanise\u201d the lottery and gambling sector"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Namibia urges African lotteries and gaming sector to adopt locally tailored models that boost inclusion, support communities and drive regional collaboration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Namibia.- Namibia<\/strong> is calling for a radical transformation of Africa\u2019s lottery and gaming industry, urging it to be fully \u201cAfricanised\u201d<\/strong> to tackle the continent\u2019s pressing socio-economic challenges<\/strong> and create a fairer, more inclusive system for communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lotteries Board of Namibia<\/strong> CEO John Shimaneni<\/strong> 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,\u201d he said, underscoring the importance of distributing wealth across communities<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Shimaneni made the call at the recent African Lotteries and Gaming Association (ALGA) CEO’s Forum<\/strong>, 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<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Namibian lottery and gaming executives have already embarked on benchmarking tours<\/strong> to countries such as Kenya and Botswana. However, the ALGA Forum, bringing all stakeholders to one table, is regarded as both highly effective<\/strong> and a golden opportunity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Shimaneni said that African markets have \u201cdistinct social, cultural and economic characteristics<\/strong> that require innovative approaches\u201d. By designing lotteries and gaming platforms with these realities<\/strong> in mind, operators can ensure winnings are spread<\/strong> widely, funding education, healthcare and other public services while promoting responsible participation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He added that the Forum coincided with Namibia signing a Memorandum of Understanding<\/strong> with neighbouring Botswana to consolidate regional cooperation, emphasising that sitting at one table will fast-track collaboration<\/strong> among countries. \u201cThe Forum will assist us in sharing opportunities and failures, which help new players to avoid making the same mistakes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Forum highlighted that gaming tailored to African realities is more than entertainment. It is driving real economic impact, supporting local communities, strengthening economies<\/strong> and giving players a true sense of ownership in a system that works for them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Shimaneni added: \u201cIt should foster inclusion, support local development and create tangible social impac<\/strong>t.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n With leaders like Shimaneni driving the transformation, Africa\u2019s lottery and gaming sector is positioning itself as a tool for social and economic development. By embracing homegrown strategies<\/strong>, the industry can create opportunities, uplift communities<\/strong> and show that gambling can deliver more than jackpots; it can deliver progress.<\/p>\n\n\n
Gambling beyond jackpots<\/h2>\n\n\n\n