The newly formed African iGaming Alliance (AIA), led by former Botswana Gambling Authority head Peter Kesitilwe, is pushing for collaboration across the continent’s gaming industry to address key challenges such as fragmented regulations, excessive banking fees, and the rise of unregulated operators. The alliance, founded by Betway, BetPawa, 888Africa, and Sportybet, is actively recruiting more members to create a pan-African trade body that will serve as a bridge between operators and regulators.
Kesitilwe emphasized that the AIA does not intend to compete with regulators or licensed operators but rather complement their efforts by harmonizing taxation, responsible gambling, and licensing standards across multiple jurisdictions. He warned that inconsistent tax regimes and differing national rules force operators to apply for multiple licenses with varying requirements, which slows growth and confuses consumers.
Illegal and unregulated operators, estimated to make up two-thirds of the African market, are another pressing concern. Kesitilwe noted that governments are losing between $2 billion and $5 billion annually in unpaid taxes to the black market, while consumers struggle to distinguish between legitimate and illegal platforms. A unified regulatory approach, he argued, would not only strengthen consumer protection but also increase tax revenues.
Gambling Authority head Peter Kesitilwe,
Banking costs were also highlighted as a major barrier. With payment monopolies and high transaction fees driving up operational expenses, some operators are exploring crypto payments to reduce costs and improve player onboarding. Kesitilwe agreed that payment reform is essential to the sector’s progress.
What do the people of Malta want for Africa? Ruination fuelled by Online Gaming Companies YAFOG say.
Bringing nearly a decade of regulatory experience, Kesitilwe believes his leadership will help the alliance bridge gaps between industry stakeholders and policymakers. His vision is to modernize Africa’s gambling frameworks, promote responsible play, and ensure fair tax and compliance systems that foster sustainable growth across the continent’s fast-expanding gaming market.
