Namibia's state lottery takes shape: CEO outlines vision, regulation and growth strategy
The Lotteries Board of Namibia (LBN) is steadily growing, and Johannes Shimaneni, the Board’s CEO, is confident in its future endeavours. He emphasised that “Namibia has established a robust legal system.”
The LBN was established to supervise and control the National Lottery, with its legal foundation rooted in the Lotteries Act of 2002. While the act was passed in 2002, a new board was inaugurated in November 2021 to oversee the industry, following a 2017 amendment of the act. The Board’s CEO shares his insights with SiGMA News on the direction he plans to steer the authority under his leadership.
SiGMA: You are leading preparations for Namibia’s first state lottery. What has been your top priority in building this institution from the ground up?
J. Shimaneni: The Lottery Board of Namibia is in its infancy stage. I set three top priorities in establishing this institution.
Firstly, it is to raise awareness of the Lotteries Board’s functions and mandate through public engagements and brand marketing on platforms such as social media, radio, and town hall meetings.
Secondly, it is to shorten the application time by making the forms available on digital platforms, such as websites, and extending the services to the regions.
Lastly, it is to put in place processes for establishing a state lottery by appointing a licensed operator.
SiGMA: With the lottery forming part of the National Development Plan 6 (a framework (designed to drive economic growth, employment creation, and equality to achieve a resilient middle-income economy by 2030), how do you align regulatory goals with national economic priorities?
J. Shimaneni: Job creation through the appointment of a state lottery operator, as well as social welfare for the public. There is a need to change the narrative of Lottery participation from just a game of chance to a social development agenda. Funds raised through participation are reinvested in community projects for good causes.
SiGMA: What are the biggest day-to-day regulatory challenges facing jurisdictions like Namibia today?
J. Shimaneni: Regulatory failures arise when laws, rules or guidelines governing activities are unclear, inconsistent, outdated or poorly enforced. These issues often create obstacles to compliance and operational efficiency.
SiGMA: Where do operators most commonly fall short in compliance, and why?
J. Shimaneni: Non-compliance with the application requirements is mainly due to a lack of awareness. Operators are unaware that LBN regulates certain lottery activities, so they do not contact the Board for information.
SiGMA: What challenges do regulators face when dealing with illegal operators active in digital environments or across borders?
J. Shimaneni: Key challenges include:
- Limited jurisdiction to take action against offshore entities
- Difficulties in tracking and blocking online platforms
- Use of alternative payment methods that bypass traditional financial systems
- Rapid technological advancements that outpace regulatory frameworks
SiGMA: What lessons can other African regulators learn from Namibia’s approach?
J. Shimaneni: The Lotteries Board of Namibia is in its infancy stage; however, Namibia has established a robust legal system that operationalised state lotto. Our act establishes a trust fund and outlines how funds may be utilised for good causes.
According to Shimaneni, the LBN is gearing up to transform Namibia’s lottery sector. By raising public awareness, making the lottery platform more user-friendly, and planning to appoint a licensed operator, Namibia’s gaming industry is making strides to catch up with well-established markets in Africa.
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