Malta-based certification provider Global Lab has taken a major step toward strengthening its presence in South Africa, opening new offices and expanding partnerships with key regulators. The move marks another milestone in the company’s broader strategy to grow across the African continent.
Malta-based certification provider Global Lab has taken a major step toward strengthening its presence in South Africa, opening new offices and expanding partnerships with key regulators. The move marks another milestone in the company’s broader strategy to grow across the African continent.
Growing Role of Gambling in South Africa
Recent data from Statistics South Africa highlights shifting household spending priorities, with gambling ranked 12th overall, just behind beer. Within the leisure, sports, and culture category, gambling dominates, accounting for more than half of total spending.
According to Perpetua Investment Managers, gambling contributes around 1% of South Africa’s GDP, generates ZAR 4.8 billion (US$253m) in public revenues, and sustains 32,000 jobs nationwide.
New Office in East London
Global Lab announced the official opening of its East London office, marking the starting point of its certification operations in South Africa.
“We are proud to establish our presence in East London,” said Maurizio Soccodato, Global Lab president and founder. “This represents our commitment to delivering efficient certification services across the country, ensuring that both businesses and regulators can benefit from our streamlined processes.”
Strategic Partnerships with Regulators
Global Lab has forged collaborations with South African National Accreditation System (SANAS) and multiple provincial gambling and licensing boards, including:
- Eastern Cape Gambling Board
- Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board
- Mpumalanga Economic Regulator
- KwaZulu-Natal Gaming and Betting Board
- Limpopo Gambling Board
- Gauteng Gambling Board
- North West Gambling Board
- Free State Gambling, Liquor and Tourism Authority
- Northern Cape Gambling Board
These partnerships are critical in ensuring compliance, helping businesses navigate local certification processes more efficiently.
Mission and Outlook
As operations expand, Global Lab reiterated its core mission: to modernize certification policies through efficiency and transparency. These values remain central to its approach and are key to supporting compliance and excellence across South Africa’s industries.
By setting up new offices and deepening regulator relationships, Global Lab is positioning itself to play a pivotal role in South Africa’s economic growth and compliance landscape. The expansion ensures broader service coverage across the country, providing businesses and authorities with greater confidence in certification processes.
