Ghana’s Growing Influence in Africa’s iGaming and Lottery Sector
Ghana’s position within Africa’s evolving gaming and lottery ecosystem continues to strengthen, attracting increasing international attention. Over recent years, the country has benefited from regulatory refinements, tax reforms, and a surge in mobile betting adoption, all of which have contributed to a more structured and attractive operating environment. These developments have helped Ghana emerge as one of the continent’s most closely watched markets in both lottery governance and broader iGaming growth.
Against this backdrop, the World Lottery Association (WLA) conducted an official visit to Ghana to assess the country’s readiness to host the 2028 World Lottery Summit (WLS), one of the most prestigious gatherings in the global lottery industry.
Assessing Accra’s Infrastructure and Event Capabilities
A central objective of the WLA delegation’s visit was to evaluate Accra’s capacity to deliver an event of international scale and complexity. This included detailed inspections of potential conference venues, hospitality infrastructure, transportation systems, and logistical arrangements required to support thousands of global delegates.
Such assessments are critical in determining whether Ghana can submit a competitive bid capable of meeting WLA’s stringent hosting standards. Industry observers note that hosting the World Lottery Summit would significantly elevate Ghana’s profile within the global lottery and gaming landscape.
High-Level Engagements With National Stakeholders
The WLA delegation was led by President Andreas Kotter and included Executive Director Lucas Esposito and Events Coordinator Francois Pellaud-Pautrot. Upon arrival, the team was welcomed by Mohammed Abdul-Salam, Director-General of Ghana’s National Lottery Authority (NLA), who expressed appreciation for the association’s interest in Ghana.
Abdul-Salam described the visit as a validation of Ghana’s progress in lottery governance, responsible gaming initiatives, and institutional leadership within the region. The delegation’s itinerary also included meetings with lawmakers at Ghana’s Parliament, where discussions centered on regulatory stability, industry sustainability, and responsible gaming frameworks.
Focus on Responsible and Sustainable Gaming Expansion
During engagements with policymakers, including Member of Parliament Samuel Awuku, conversations emphasized the importance of building a safer and more sustainable iGaming environment. Stakeholders explored strategies for balancing innovation and growth with consumer protection, regulatory compliance, and social responsibility.
These discussions reflect broader continental priorities as African jurisdictions continue to refine their gaming regulations in response to rapid digital adoption.
Potential for Future WLA Events in Ghana
Beyond the 2028 Summit evaluation, the WLA delegation also explored the possibility of Ghana hosting a WLA Executive Committee meeting in June 2026. Kotter voiced strong support for Ghana’s ambition to become a leading example for lottery organisations across Africa.
He praised the NLA’s strategic vision, highlighting Ghana’s potential to serve as a blueprint for governance, transparency, and responsible lottery operations on the continent.
