Kenya hosts landmark agreement to standardise gambling regulations across Africa

The African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO) and the Association of Gaming Regulators in Africa (AGRA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the development and harmonisation of gambling standards across the continent.

As Africa's gambling industry experiences rapid growth, the need for a unified regulatory framework has become increasingly essential. Standardised regulations will not only streamline market access but also attract investment and create a stable, predictable business environment. Through the ARSO Process, the two organisations will work together to develop harmonised standards that can serve as a foundation for equivalent regulatory regimes across African nations.

The initiative will involve extensive consultations with key stakeholders, including government agencies, gambling operators, consumer groups, and civil society organisations.

The signing ceremony took place at ARSO’s offices in Nairobi, attended by Dr. Hermogene Nsengimana, Secretary General of ARSO, and Mr. Peter Mbugi, CEO of the Betting Control Board.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Nsengimana highlighted the significance of the partnership:

"This collaboration underscores ARSO’s commitment to establishing a standardised regulatory framework that fosters sustainable development across Africa. By working alongside AGRA, we aim to develop gambling standards that enhance market access and industry stability."

Echoing this sentiment, Mr. Mbugi emphasised AGRA’s dedication to regulatory unification:

"The MoU reflects AGRA’s mission to bring together gambling regulators across Africa to tackle shared challenges. With ARSO’s expertise, we will create uniform standards that promote fairness and integrity in the gambling industry."

The successful implementation of this agreement is expected to strengthen regional cooperation, promote economic growth, and eliminate technical barriers to trade in the gambling sector across Africa.