Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, yesterday, said his administration would support Africa’s gaming industry, which is transitioning from a fragmented informal sector into a structured and globally competitive ecosystem driven by policy, innovation and investment.

Sanwo-Olu gave the promise during the third edition of the 2026 African Gaming Expo held at Eko Hotels and Suites, themed “Africa’s Gaming Market: Frontier to Prominence.”

The governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, said the sector, once operating at the margins of the formal economy, is now witnessing deliberate transformation across the continent.

According to him, the industry has evolved from being loosely structured and misunderstood to becoming regulated, transparent and attractive to global investors.

He noted that governments are strengthening institutions and regulatory frameworks, while technology is enabling transparency and boosting investors’ confidence.

He added that gaming now intersects with technology, digital finance, sports development, and youth engagement, making it a key driver of economic growth.

In his remark, Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State Lottery and Gaming Authority, Bashir Are, said the expo was designed to position Africa within the global gaming ecosystem and unlock opportunities across allied industries.

He noted that the event had boosted tourism and commercial activities in Lagos, with increased hotel occupancy and participation from international delegates.

In his keynote address, Founder of Merbert Global Launchpad, Peter Mebert, urged African startups to leverage improved access to infrastructure and talent to scale globally.

He described gaming as a fast-growing global industry and a platform for broader digital innovation, stressing that Africa must focus on leadership, market understanding, and strategic expansion to compete internationally.

Mebert further warned that many startups fail due to poor expansion strategies, weak leadership, and inadequate knowledge of foreign markets.