NLA Boss explores tech partnerships in China to transform lottery operations

The Director General of the National Lottery Authority (NLA), Mr. Mohammed Abdul-Salam, recently embarked on a significant visit to China to further the Authority’s digital agenda.

This strategic trip included meetings with Genlot Game Technology and participation in the Huawei Executive Exchange, as part of broader efforts to modernize Ghana’s lottery systems, extend services to rural areas, and combat unregulated paper-based operations.

The visit began in Shenzhen with an in-depth session at Genlot Game Technology’s headquarters. The NLA Director-General met with senior executives, including Genlot CEO Franz Liu and CTO Hui Shou, along with key figures from their international business development and research teams. Huawei representatives, including Meng Gencang, Government and Public Sector Solution Expert, participated in the discussions.

Genlot showcased a range of lottery innovations, including secure, scalable Point-of-Sale (POS) systems designed for low-infrastructure environments.

The NLA Director General expressed strong interest in these POS technologies as a solution for digitizing rural lottery operations and eliminating illegal ticket sales. Huawei highlighted the potential of integrating Genlot’s hardware with its cloud and cybersecurity infrastructure to create a secure and seamless operational ecosystem.

Additionally, the NLA team participated in the Huawei Executive Exchange at Huawei’s Shenzhen facilities. The exchange featured demonstrations and presentations by Huawei’s top experts, such as Xia Zun, COO of Huawei Global Public Sector BU, and Ian Zhu, Head of Huawei Ghana’s Enterprise Business Group. Presentations focused on how Huawei’s AI tools and cloud platforms could enhance efficiency, data protection, and service delivery in the public sector.

Huawei’s exhibitions at the Shannon and Planck Halls showcased next-generation solutions, including smart city integrations and 5G connectivity—technologies that could significantly impact Ghana’s digital infrastructure in the lottery sector.

The visit also provided the Ghanaian delegation with opportunities for facility tours and cultural exchanges in Dongguan and Shenzhen. The team visited Huawei’s European Town campus in Dongguan, explored the Sanyapo Library to gain insights into the company's innovation ecosystem, and tested next-generation smart devices at the Huawei flagship store. The trip concluded with a farewell dinner and city tour, strengthening the sense of partnership and shared vision between the NLA and its Chinese counterparts.

Several key takeaways emerged from the visit. Genlot’s POS systems were identified as essential for the NLA’s plans to expand into rural areas, while Huawei’s digital infrastructure was deemed crucial for securing and scaling the Authority’s operations. Both companies expressed enthusiasm for collaborative pilot projects and capacity-building initiatives to drive innovation in Ghana’s lottery sector.

To advance these ideas, the NLA will establish a technical committee to assess the proposed technologies. Discussions for a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Huawei Ghana, led by Ian Zhu, are expected to commence soon. A follow-up virtual session with Genlot’s international team will also be scheduled to finalize procurement timelines.