Key Moments:
- The African iGaming Alliance (AIA) and International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 4 November 2025, establishing a collaborative partnership.
- Between 2020 and Q3 2025, IBIA flagged 131 instances of suspicious betting activity related to African sports, with football and tennis accounting for most warnings.
- IBIA tracks over 1.5 million sports events globally each year and monitors $300 billion in annual bets through its network of more than 90 operators and 200 gaming brands.
Strategic Partnership to Safeguard African Betting Markets
On 4 November 2025, the African iGaming Alliance (AIA) and the International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA) formalized a partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The agreement aims to strengthen integrity and boost collaboration within Africa’s fast-growing sports betting industry. Additionally, it promotes responsible betting practices across the continent.
Defined Roles and Cooperative Objectives
Under the MoU, IBIA will act as AIA’s dedicated integrity partner on betting matters. In turn, AIA will guide IBIA on policy and regulation within Africa. The initiative seeks to protect all stakeholders — from consumers to operators and sports bodies. It focuses on reducing match-fixing and betting manipulation risks.
Statements from Industry Leaders
Peter Emolemo Kesitilwe, CEO of African iGaming Alliance (AIA), added, “Integrity is the foundation of Africa’s betting future. This partnership between the AIA and IBIA represents a decisive step towards ensuring that Africa’s growing betting industry is anchored on trust, transparency, and accountability. As a pan-African industry platform, AIA is committed to working with global integrity leaders like IBIA to harmonise standards, promote responsible gaming, and support regulators in safeguarding markets from manipulation and illicit practices. Together, we can strengthen Africa’s credibility as a world-class iGaming frontier.”
Khalid Ali, IBIA’s CEO, went on to say, “Africa represents one of the most dynamic and fastest-growing betting markets in the world. Ensuring that this growth is underpinned by robust sports betting integrity standards and effective regulation is essential. Our partnership with the African iGaming Alliance reinforces our shared commitment to supporting a sustainable, well-regulated African betting industry that safeguards consumers and sporting competitions alike.”
Improving Integrity Through Shared Initiatives
Through this collaboration, both organizations exchange expertise and insights on betting integrity, regulation, and policy development across Africa. Together, IBIA and AIA plan to launch projects that strengthen integrity systems for licensed bookmakers. They will also encourage stronger cooperation among members.
| Period | Total Suspicious Betting Warnings | Football | Tennis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 – Q3 2025 | 131 | 64 | 62 |
IBIA reported 131 suspicious betting warnings on African sporting events between 2020 and Q3 2025. Within this figure, football accounted for 64 warnings and tennis followed closely with 62. These figures underline the ongoing need for vigilance in Africa’s evolving betting market.
IBIA’s Global Influence and Capabilities
IBIA’s network includes over 90 operators and 200 gaming brands. Each year, it tracks more than 1.5 million events and handles $300 billion in wagers. Its monitoring, intelligence sharing, and partnerships with regulatory bodies have enabled decisive action against match-fixing, strengthening its reputation as a trusted guardian of integrity in the gaming industry.
A Turning Point for Africa’s iGaming Sector
The partnership stands as a notable milestone for iGaming in Africa, granting both organizations the opportunity to align approaches to regulation and foster innovation within the sports betting market. By sharing intelligence and harmonizing standards, both IBIA and AIA are set to enhance the regulatory landscape and integrity measures for African sports betting.
Upcoming Industry Event
Cape Town is positioned as a focal point for the future of Africa’s iGaming sector. From 04–06 August 2026, SiGMA Africa will convene 3,000 delegates, 780 operators, and over 150 speakers. This landmark gathering is anticipated to have a significant impact on the trajectory of the continent’s gaming industry.
- Author
Daniel Williams
