WIGLA CEO Annalisa Samuels Calls for Collaboration to Bridge Africa’s Talent Gap and Strengthen Responsible Gaming

Annalisa Samuels, CEO  WIGLA South Sudan, has called for stronger collaboration among industry stakeholders to address Africa’s growing talent gap and promote sustainable development across the continent’s digital and gaming sectors.

Speaking at the Gaming Tech Summit Africa in Nairobi, Annalissa emphasized the importance of long-term investment in skills development, cross-border partnerships, and structured projects aimed at building local capacity.

“We need to make sure opportunities are available through projects and long-term initiatives that contribute to development across the continent. This is how we close the talent gap and ensure Africa can sustain itself in the future,” she said.

On responsible gaming and addiction concerns, Samuel noted that the industry is still evolving and must continuously adapt to increasing compliance requirements, marketing regulations, and consumer protection standards.

“There are always best practices around responsible gaming. The industry is still relatively new, and we are evolving. There are more restrictions and compliance measures coming into marketing and other areas, so we need to foster collaboration to address these challenges effectively,” she explained.

Samuel also reflected on the overall deliberations at the summit, noting that discussions were more advanced, practical, and solution-driven compared to previous years.

Overall deliberations at the meeting centered on strengthening regulation, promoting responsible gaming, and leveraging technology to drive industry growth while protecting consumers. Delegates emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between governments, regulators, operators, and technology providers to close existing gaps in skills, compliance, and innovation. There was also a strong focus on education, data-driven policymaking, and developing sustainable frameworks that balance industry expansion with social responsibility.

She praised the evolution of the Gaming Tech Summit Africa, saying it reflects a maturing industry.

“If you attended this conference three years ago and compare it to today, you can clearly see the growth. The discussions have expanded significantly and are now much more in-depth, focusing on identifying gaps and practical steps to address them,” she said.

On governance and regulation, Samuel stressed that all stakeholders have a shared responsibility in safeguarding the industry.

“Every stakeholder plays a role in ensuring responsible gaming. Governments provide oversight, while providers focus on education and ensuring safe distribution of gaming products,” she said.

Samuel concluded by noting that the summit provided valuable insights and practical solutions that can be applied across different markets.

“I’ve gained a lot of insight and ideas on how we can solve some of the challenges we face. Hopefully, we can all join hands and work together to address the issues affecting our countries and the industry as a whole,” she said.