Gambling Authority Struggles with Shortage of Technical Skills

Gambling Authority Struggles with Shortage of Technical Skills. The Gambling Authority of Botswana is facing a pressing challenge due to limited technical skills within the sector, interim Chief Executive Officer Moruntshi Kemorwale has disclosed.

Speaking publicly, Kemorwale highlighted that despite the Authority’s rapid growth and increased responsibilities, it continues to rely heavily on external consultants to carry out specialised tasks crucial for effective regulation. The shortage of locally available skills has created gaps in areas requiring advanced technical knowledge.

“One of our biggest challenges is the absence of any local training college or university offering gambling-related courses,” Kemorwale said. He noted that similar training programmes are scarce internationally, making it difficult to source qualified professionals to meet the sector’s growing regulatory demands.

The CEO explained that the Authority has adapted by learning on the job, drawing knowledge and expertise from industry conferences, master classes, and international symposiums. This approach, while effective in bridging some gaps, underscores the need for a more sustainable local skills pipeline.

Kemorwale stressed that developing homegrown technical expertise is critical for the long-term stability of the gambling sector in Botswana. Without it, the Authority risks over-reliance on external support, which could affect operational efficiency and the ability to enforce regulatory standards effectively.

The revelation highlights a broader issue for specialised industries in Botswana, where emerging sectors often struggle to find locally trained professionals. Building capacity through education and targeted training programmes will be essential to ensure that the Gambling Authority can fully exercise its mandate and support a safe and regulated gaming environment.

Officials indicated that efforts are underway to explore partnerships with international institutions and professional bodies to expand training opportunities for current and future staff.Kemorwale concluded that while challenges remain, the Authority is committed to growing its internal capabilities to meet the evolving needs of Botswana’s gambling industry.