SBC and GRAF Join Forces to Strengthen Gaming Regulatory Dialogue Across Africa

Partnership to Support GRAF 2026 Conference

SBC and the Gaming Regulators Africa Forum (GRAF) have announced a new strategic partnership aimed at strengthening regulatory dialogue, knowledge exchange and collaboration across Africa’s rapidly developing gaming markets.

Under the partnership, SBC will support the GRAF 2026 Conference, taking place from 14–17 September 2026 at the Joaquim Chissano International Conference Centre in Maputo, Mozambique, while GRAF will become an Event Partner of the African Gaming Forum, held during SBC Summit 2026 in Lisbon.

GRAF to Lead Regulatory Panel at African Gaming Forum

GRAF will play a key role in the African Gaming Forum’s regulatory programme, hosting a dedicated panel titled “GRAF: African Gaming under the Microscope”.

The invite-only forum will be held on 30 September at the Myriad Hotel, bringing together regulators, operators and senior industry stakeholders for discussions on the opportunities, challenges and regulatory developments shaping gaming across Africa.

Connecting African Regulators With the Global Industry

The partnership reflects a shared objective of creating stronger links between African regulatory authorities and the international gaming industry.

GRAF provides a platform for regulators across the continent to exchange knowledge, collaborate and address common regulatory challenges. Meanwhile, SBC has increasingly positioned Africa as an important growth region within its international events portfolio.

The collaboration will create additional opportunities for regulators, operators, suppliers and other stakeholders to connect and exchange perspectives on the future of the sector.

SBC Highlights the Diversity of African Gaming Markets

Rasmus Sojmark, Founder and CEO of SBC, said Africa should not be viewed as a single gaming market, noting that each jurisdiction is developing its own regulatory framework, priorities and challenges.

He stressed that regulators need to remain at the centre of discussions about the future of gaming across the continent and highlighted the partnership with GRAF as an opportunity to bring regulatory perspectives closer to operators and the wider international industry.

Sojmark also emphasized that the collaboration extends beyond the Lisbon event, with SBC supporting GRAF’s conference in Maputo to encourage greater knowledge exchange between African jurisdictions and the global gaming community.

GRAF Seeks to Strengthen Africa’s Voice

Reuben Mabutho Zwane, President of GRAF, described the agreement as an important step toward strengthening Africa’s voice in the global gaming debate. GRAF provides a dedicated platform for African gaming regulators to collaborate.

According to Zwane, the partnership will provide African regulators with greater opportunities to exchange experiences, engage with international stakeholders and contribute to discussions influencing the future of the gaming industry.

He also highlighted the two-way nature of the agreement, with SBC supporting GRAF’s regulatory initiatives while GRAF contributes to the international dialogue through the African Gaming Forum.

Senior Regulators From Key African Markets to Participate

The African Gaming Forum has already confirmed participation from senior regulatory representatives from several major African markets.

Among them are Moruntshi Kemorwale, CEO of the Gambling Authority Botswana; Lungile Dukwana, CEO of South Africa’s National Gambling Board; Emmanuel Siisi Quainoo, Acting Commissioner of Ghana’s Gaming Commission; Peter Maina Karimi, Director General of Kenya’s Gaming Regulatory Authority; Muchanankhwaye Mpuluka, CEO of Malawi Gaming & Lotteries Authority (MAGLA); and Bashir Are, CEO of the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority.

Additional regulatory representatives from across the continent are expected to join the event.

Regulation, Taxation and Responsible Gambling on the Agenda

The regulatory panel will form part of a broader programme examining major developments across African gaming markets.

Discussions will cover market entry and expansion, regulatory frameworks, taxation, responsible gambling, as well as emerging opportunities in both established and developing jurisdictions.

The African Gaming Forum will take place during SBC Summit 2026, SBC’s flagship global event, which is scheduled for 29 September to 1 October at the Feira Internacional de Lisboa (FIL) and MEO Arena and is expected to bring together 40,000 industry professionals.