[Column] Alex Mabunda: Africa’s gaming sector can drive development

Africa’s gaming sector is expanding rapidly, drawing attention not only for its entertainment value but for its potential to drive social and economic development. Across the continent, lotteries and gaming operations are already funding education, community projects and infrastructure, showing that revenue from gaming can deliver tangible benefits.

Yet, despite its growth, the sector’s potential remains largely untapped. The question now is how gaming can more deliberately contribute to Africa’s development.

Collaboration to Strengthen the Sector

According to a report by Carry1st, an African gaming and digital content publisher, and research platform Newzoo, Africa’s gaming market reached a revenue of 1.8 billion dollars in 2024. South Africa alone recorded more than 57 billion dollars in gaming spending during the same period.

The African Lotteries & Gaming Association (ALGA) has launched a platform to encourage collaboration between operators, regulators and governments. By uniting these stakeholders, ALGA aims to move the sector beyond fragmentation and toward measurable impact.

Harnessing Gaming Revenue for Development

As the industry grows, Africa continues to grapple with poverty, food insecurity, social instability and weak infrastructure. Against this backdrop, gaming could evolve from entertainment into what some describe as the fifth estate of African development—a pillar supporting progress alongside institutions such as the African Union and the Pan-African Parliament.

The revenue generated by gaming offers governments a non-traditional source of funding, directly driven by citizens. National lotteries already illustrate this through projects that support arts, sports and infrastructure—an approach referred to as gaming with a heart.

Creating Conditions for Sustainable Change

However, this potential can only be realised through greater unity and structure. ALGA’s creation is an important starting point, but further steps are needed to establish the right conditions for lasting progress. These include:

Harmonisation and integrity. Establishing continental standards to promote responsible gaming and eliminate illegal operators that drain national revenue and exploit vulnerable players.

Innovation with purpose. Encouraging African technology companies to develop localised solutions, such as digital versions of traditional games like Morabaraba and Ncuva, while addressing issues like fraud and unclaimed prizes.

Strategic reinvestment. Enabling ALGA to drive grant models that support small businesses, youth innovation and a pan-African gaming culture that encourages unity and economic integration.

Towards a Unified Gaming Economy

ALGA offers a platform to connect Africa’s one-billion-strong consumer base, fostering collaboration and unlocking opportunities across sectors. By sharing best practices and creating sustainable funding models, the organisation can ensure gaming revenue supports projects with genuine social and economic value.

Africa’s gaming sector now faces a decisive moment. It can remain fragmented and focused on profit, or it can coordinate, innovate and reinvest to become a structured driver of development—the fifth estate of African growth.

Ultimately, success will not be measured by revenue alone but by schools built, jobs created and communities strengthened. With shared commitment, Africa’s gaming industry can become a genuine force for progress across the continent.

Let's ensure Africa is the winner.

Alex Mabunda is the CEO of Ntiyiso Consulting Group