Mpumalanga Regulator CEO Calls for Balanced Gambling Regulation at Gaming Tech Summit

Vusi Mtsweni, CEO of the Mpumalanga Economic Regulator, has urged African regulators to build gambling frameworks that protect the public interest while also supporting sustainable industry growth.

Vusi Mtsweni, CEO of the Mpumalanga Economic Regulator, has called for a balanced approach to gambling regulation across Africa, arguing that regulators should act not only as gatekeepers, but also as enablers of a responsible and sustainable gaming industry.

Speaking at Gaming Tech Summit Africa 2026 in Nairobi, Kenya, Mtsweni said regulatory certainty is essential for attracting investment, supporting economic growth and building confidence among licensed operators. His address focused on the idea that effective regulation must combine clear rules, transparent processes and strong enforcement against illegal gambling activity.

According to Mtsweni, regulation and industry development should not be viewed as opposing forces. Instead, he said regulators need to create frameworks that allow licensed businesses to grow while ensuring that the public interest remains protected. This includes responsible gambling initiatives, consumer protection measures, youth safeguards and public awareness campaigns.

Technology was also a key part of his message. Mtsweni highlighted the importance of data-driven and technology-enabled regulation, saying that modern oversight systems can improve compliance, strengthen decision-making and help regulators respond more quickly to market risks.

His comments come at a time when many African gambling markets are expanding rapidly due to mobile betting, digital payments and online platforms. At the same time, regulators across the continent are facing pressure to deal with illegal operators, fragmented licensing systems and changing consumer behaviour.

For South Africa’s Mpumalanga province, the message reflects a broader regulatory strategy focused on credibility, modernisation and long-term sustainability. For the wider African market, Mtsweni’s speech reinforces a growing industry consensus: gambling regulation must be strict enough to protect society, but flexible enough to support innovation, licensed investment and formal market growth.