IGSA opens Africa office in Lagos to expand gaming standards efforts

The International Gaming Standards Association has opened a new regional office, GSA Africa, in Lagos, Nigeria, as part of efforts to expand its presence in the continent’s growing regulated gaming market.

The office is intended to strengthen collaboration with regulators, operators, and suppliers across Africa, while promoting the adoption of industry standards and best practices.

“IGSA is very excited to open GSA Africa, which is dedicated to working with the various gaming industry constituents on the African continent,” said IGSA President Mark Pace. “Nigeria is one of the fastest-growing regulated gaming jurisdictions in Africa, and Lagos is its economic hub, making it the perfect site for our newest office.”

Nigeria has emerged as a key market for the African gaming industry, with Lagos positioned as its commercial and financial centre, making it a strategic location for IGSA’s regional expansion.

The move deepens the association's aim to work more closely with stakeholders in Africa and incorporate insights from the continent’s diverse jurisdictions into its global standards.

“On behalf of the IGSA Board of Directors, I am very pleased to see IGSA expand its reach and develop stronger ties to the African gaming market,” said IGSA Board of Directors Nimish Purohit. 

“We are opening GSA Africa in recognition of the growing regulated gaming market on the continent, as well as our desire to partner with regulators, operators, and suppliers there in order to understand Africa’s unique challenges and opportunities that can benefit from Standards and Best Practices. IGSA is always incorporating updates from the newest jurisdictions, and Africa’s diversified jurisdictions give us a chance to also enhance our global standards.”

GSA Africa Managing Director F. K. Fayad described the launch as a milestone for the gaming industry in the region.

“Africa stands as one of the most dynamic and high-potential markets globally, and with this growth comes a shared responsibility to ensure it is underpinned by robust regulatory frameworks, technological integrity, and adherence to international best practices,” Fayad said.

“Through GSA Africa, we are committed to working closely with regulators, operators, and industry stakeholders to support sustainable development, strengthen regulatory capabilities, and foster an ecosystem where innovation is balanced with transparency, accountability, and trust.”

Lago State Lotteries CEO Bashir Are said: “It is an honor to have the GSA Africa office located here in Lagos, Nigeria’s economic, commercial, financial, and gaming hub. We look forward to collaborating with GSA Africa to drive adoption of Standards and Best Practices, as a means to grow and better regulate the gaming industry in Africa."

IGSA said the new office would support African markets in adopting technology-driven standards and processes already implemented in other jurisdictions.