SOUTH SUDAN– For most gaming regulators in Africa, the official picture of the betting market rests largely on operators’ own reports: how much they take in, how much they pay out, and what they owe the state. South Sudan has now tried another approach through the intervention of Evidentia AI.

The Department of Betting, Gaming and Lotteries, part of the Ministry of Finance and Planning, has received the findings of a four-week independent review of the country’s betting market. At the core of the pilot was Evidentia AI’s audit and compliance approach, which prioritises clear, verifiable evidence over assumptions. The approach is designed to give regulators a stronger foundation for decision-making, establish consistent compliance expectations for licensed operators and strengthen public confidence that gaming revenue is properly accounted for and serves the public interest.

Ajibola Abdulkadir, Commercial Director at Evidentia AI, commended the Department for commissioning an independent assessment of its market, describing the initiative as an important step towards modern, data-driven regulation.

She noted that the pilot demonstrated how regulators and technology providers could begin working together using verifiable evidence before integrating any systems. According to Abdulkadir, the review provides the government with a clearer picture of market participants, how players make payments and where regulatory oversight could have the greatest impact.

She added that the findings belong to the Department, which will determine how they are used, while Evidentia AI’s role is to provide independent, verifiable information in a manner that respects South Sudan’s data sovereignty.

Daniel Apuk Deng Reech, Director for Betting, Gaming and Lotteries at the Ministry of Finance and Planning, described the pilot as a practical first step towards strengthening oversight of the betting sector. He said the Department would carefully consider the findings in line with its mandate, reaffirming its commitment to a transparent, accountable and well-regulated industry that serves the public interest.

The pilot comes as governments across Africa explore how digital technology can improve regulatory oversight, strengthen compliance and protect public revenue without creating unnecessary burdens for legitimate businesses. Issues such as data sovereignty, vendor independence, privacy and the need to balance effective oversight with market growth continue to shape discussions around the future of gaming regulation across the continent.

Evidentia AI said the South Sudan engagement demonstrates how a market review conducted without system integration can provide regulators with an independent starting point for assessing the sector, while leaving regulatory decisions and oversight firmly in local hands.

Abdulkadir said Evidentia AI’s modules operate outside the payment flow and independently calculate gross gaming revenue, providing regulators with figures they can compare against licensing and tax records.

She emphasized that effective regulation should support, rather than hinder, industry development, noting that trust and accountability are essential to sustainable market growth. Adding that the company welcomes further engagement with regulators, operators and policy practitioners interested in exploring evidence-based approaches to gaming oversight.

Evidentia AI said it looks forward to continuing to support the Department of Betting, Gaming and Lotteries as it evaluates the pilot’s findings and considers its next steps.