Angola and Malawi gambling regulators discuss MoU to strengthen cross-border oversight

Angola’s Instituto de Supervisão de Jogos and the Malawi Gaming and Lotteries Authority are considering a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at improving information sharing, technical cooperation and coordinated supervision as a growing number of gambling operators maintain activities in both markets.

Angola and Malawi are exploring closer regulatory cooperation in the gambling sector after senior representatives of the two countries’ authorities met on August 13. A delegation from the Malawi Gaming and Lotteries Authority (MAGLA), led by Director General Muchanankhwaye Mpuluka, held talks with Angola’s Instituto de Supervisão de Jogos (ISJ) in a meeting chaired by ISJ Director General Nerethz Tati.

The discussions focused on regulatory challenges facing both markets, the exchange of supervisory knowledge and the possibility of formalising cooperation through a Memorandum of Understanding. According to MAGLA, the proposed MoU would strengthen institutional cooperation and mutual technical assistance between the two regulators.

Cross-border supervision was a particularly important part of the discussions because a significant number of gambling businesses active in Angola also operate in Malawi. The regulators believe that closer coordination could make it easier to oversee such companies consistently, exchange relevant regulatory information and address compliance issues that extend across national borders.

MAGLA is responsible for licensing and supervising gaming, betting and lottery activity in Malawi under the Gaming and Lotteries Act, 2022. Its mandate includes compliance monitoring, action against illegal gambling, consumer protection and responsible-gambling measures. The authority has also been expanding licensing activity in 2026, including invitations for new land-based casino and sports betting licence applications.

Angola is undergoing its own regulatory development following the adoption of Law No. 17/24 on Gaming Activities. The framework covers games of chance, social games and online gambling, while the ISJ has been developing implementing rules addressing issues including market access, licensing, minimum capital, real-time monitoring and the supervision of gaming operations.

The ISJ has also increased its focus on illegal gambling and financial integrity. Its recent regulatory work includes measures related to anti-money-laundering controls, beneficial ownership and politically exposed persons, alongside enforcement and public-awareness initiatives targeting unlicensed gambling.

No Memorandum of Understanding has yet been signed, and the August meeting should therefore be viewed as an initial step toward a more formal partnership. If concluded, the agreement could provide a framework for regular information exchange, staff training, coordinated supervisory practices and mutual assistance when the same operators are active in both jurisdictions.

The talks reflect a wider movement toward stronger regulator-to-regulator cooperation in African gambling markets. For Angola and Malawi, a formal MoU could reduce gaps in cross-border oversight and help both authorities respond more consistently to licensing, compliance and responsible-gambling risks as their regulated markets continue to develop.