Abby A. Aidoo grew up in Ghana and later moved to Canada, building a career at the crossroads of data analysis and digital solutions.
Aidoo co-founded Zerone AnalytiQs in 2022. She serves as co-CEO of this analytics and AI firm, which targets organizations and investors seeking to expand or set up operations in Africa. Based in Vancouver and Accra, Zerone AnalytiQs focuses on making African data easier to collect, analyze, and visualize.
The company’s platform lets businesses, researchers, and institutions gather and structure data from multiple sources. It supports decision-making by turning that information into real-time insights. Users can design surveys, polls, and questionnaires, then reach targeted audiences through a network of African contributors. They can convert raw data into reports, charts, and presentations, and export results in Excel, PowerPoint, or PDF formats for sharing.
Zerone AnalytiQs also built a mobile app, ZeroneData, that rewards survey participants with points redeemable for cash through local mobile wallets. The firm wants to drive innovation and expand data access to help advance Africa’s socio-economic growth.
On June 24, 2025, Google for Startups Accelerator: Africa picked Zerone AnalytiQs among 15 startups to join its ninth cohort.
Aidoo balances her startup work with her role as director of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of British Columbia. She holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Ghana and an MBA from UBC’s Sauder School of Business.
Her professional journey began in 2016 at Mangifera Energy in Ghana, where she worked as a financial assistant. She moved on in 2020 to become business development manager at SBINC Solutions, which focuses on engineering and civil works. In 2021, she worked as a customer success account manager at Microsoft.
In 2023, she took the role of operations director at DBS Cyber, a U.S. firm specialized in AI training and solutions. Between February 2024 and February 2025, she served as program developer and community development manager at Innovation UBC, which supports researchers and innovators building a sustainable future.
Melchior Koba
The use of social media has become an integral part of daily life in Africa, especially among young people. As the continent's digital adoption accelerates, the stakes for mental health grow higher. Without coordinated efforts from governments, tech companies, civil society, and communities, the promise of social media could be overshadowed by long-term psychological and societal harm.
Social media has revolutionized how people communicate, learn, and connect, creating vast opportunities for education, social mobilization, and economic growth. Yet, beneath these benefits lies a growing concern: their impact on mental health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines mental health as a person’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how individuals handle stress, learn, work effectively, recognize their potential, and actively participate in their communities.
A study by Ji Yuan of the Psychological Counseling Center at Xinghai Conservatory of Music in China, titled Is there a relationship between social media user intensity and mental well-being? An exploratory study, published in April 2025, found a strong link between heavy social media use and increased mental health issues, including higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression.
In Africa, where social media use is rapidly expanding, these challenges are becoming increasingly visible and urgent. From cyberbullying and digital addiction to social pressure and misinformation, the continent must grapple with complex threats to the psychological well-being of its population, particularly young people.
Social networks: a double-edged sword
Opportunities
On the one hand, social networks have transformed Africa’s information landscape. They provide millions of young people with unprecedented access to educational resources, health information, and knowledge about their rights. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp were widely used to spread vital health guidelines across countries such as South Africa and Kenya.
These platforms also act as powerful tools for self-expression and solidarity, empowering social movements like #EndSARS in Nigeria (a youth-led social movement that began online in 2020, demanding the disbandment of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and #FeesMustFall in South Africa (a powerful student-led protest movement that began in October 2015 in South Africa), and enabling marginalized voices to be heard. Additionally, they serve as critical enablers for professional and entrepreneurial development through digital marketing, networking, and new business models. Countless young entrepreneurs in Ghana and Nigeria have leveraged Instagram and TikTok for digital marketing and to reach new customers.
Risks to mental health
On the other hand, the risks are substantial. Continuous exposure to idealized and carefully curated portrayals of others' lives often drives unhealthy social comparisons, fueling feelings of frustration, anxiety, and low self-esteem. Cyberbullying is also on the rise among African youth, sometimes with devastating consequences, including depression and even suicide. According to UNICEF, more than one-third of young people in 30 countries report being victims of online bullying, with platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and Twitter cited as the most common spaces for this abuse. In sub-Saharan Africa, 34% of respondents reported experiencing online bullying.
Excessive use of social networks is also linked to addiction, social isolation, sleep disturbances, and chronic stress. Meanwhile, the rapid spread of misinformation and radical content fuels collective anxiety and distrust, further undermining mental well-being.
Moreover, exposure to violent or pornographic content, sexualized livestreams, and online child exploitation remains a serious and largely under-addressed concern. In March this year, the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) launched an urgent investigation following a BBC report alleging that minors in Kenya were involved in sexualized livestreams on TikTok, with the platform reportedly profiting from digital gifts sent by viewers.
Online child exploitation is a growing concern in Africa. A 2024 report by ChildFund International and the African Child Policy Forum revealed a significant increase in online child sexual exploitation and abuse across the continent, with over 60% of unidentified victims being young children, including infants and toddlers, and 65% being girls.
Challenges specific to Africa
Africa faces unique obstacles in addressing these issues. There is a lack of harmonized legislation: most African countries do not have specific laws to effectively moderate online content, protect data, or combat cybercrime.
As of now, only 36 out of 55 African countries have enacted data protection laws, according to Data Protection Africa. Examples include South Africa’s Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), enforced since 2021; Kenya’s Data Protection Act of 2019; and Nigeria’s Data Protection Act of 2023. Many other countries (such as Chad, Malawi, Sierra Leone, and the DRC) have no comprehensive data protection laws or rely on outdated frameworks.
In addition, laws aimed at regulating social media often face criticism for stifling free speech rather than genuinely protecting users. Nigeria’s Social Media Bill (Protection from Internet Falsehood and Manipulation Bill, 2019), Uganda’s Computer Misuse Act (amended 2022), and Ethiopia’s Hate Speech and Disinformation Prevention and Suppression Proclamation (2020) have all been criticized for vague terms and potential misuse.
Governments often find themselves caught between censorship and inaction. Some states resort to internet shutdowns during political crises — as seen recently in Senegal (2023 and 2024), Ethiopia’s Amhara region (2023–2024), Sudan, the DRC, and Chad — disrupting civic life and further complicating mental health support. Meanwhile, others leave social media largely unregulated, exposing users to unchecked harassment, hate speech, and disinformation.
Furthermore, there is a heavy dependence on global tech giants. Major platforms, such as Facebook, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter), often fail to enforce their moderation policies adequately in Africa, citing resource constraints or a lack of regional focus. As a result, reports of harmful content frequently go unaddressed, and algorithms can amplify divisive or damaging material. Al Jazeera reported that in 2022, a lawsuit claimed Facebook’s failure to effectively moderate content fueled violence during the conflict in Ethiopia, underscoring the serious real-world impact of unregulated online content.
A call for balanced action
Rising concern over these issues has fueled important conversations around digital well-being and responsible social media use. There is growing pressure on tech companies to introduce features that encourage healthier online habits, such as screen time management tools and content warnings. Reflecting this trend, TikTok recently organized its first-ever African Summit on Digital Wellbeing and Mental Health to promote healthier and more responsible use of social networks while addressing mental health challenges faced by young Africans in today’s increasingly connected world.
As Africa’s digital footprint grows, so does the need for a thoughtful, locally driven approach to mental health and online safety. Strengthening legal frameworks, improving digital literacy, and demanding greater accountability from global tech companies are crucial steps forward. Without these efforts, the promise of social media risks being overshadowed by its dangers, turning what could be a powerful force for connection and empowerment into a source of widespread psychological harm.
Hikmatu Bilali
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Cybastion to invest $25 million in Angola’s first phase of cybersecurity program
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Full $170 million plan includes national cybersecurity agency and workforce training
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Angola still ranks low on global cybersecurity index, with major gaps to address
The Angolan government has partnered with US technology company Cybastion to strengthen the country’s cybersecurity capabilities, with the firm committing to an initial $25 million investment.
The deal marks the first phase of a broader $170 million investment program announced last week in collaboration with state-owned operator Angola Telecom. The plan includes establishing a national cybersecurity agency and training new experts in partnership with the Cisco Networking Academy.
This effort aligns with Angola’s national digital transformation strategy, which aims to position information and communication technologies (ICT) as a driver of social and economic development. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) considers cybersecurity a key factor for ensuring sustainable digital growth.
In 2024, Angola was ranked in Tier 4 of the ITU Global Cybersecurity Index, the second-lowest level on a five-tier scale. The ranking reflects limited engagement, with some progress in regulations and international cooperation, but significant work remains to strengthen technical capabilities, improve incident response mechanisms, and expand training and awareness efforts.
In a context where access to financing remains a major challenge for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa, a local fintech is offering a digital alternative to support their cash flow.
Lulalend, a fintech solution developed by a South African startup, provides small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) rapid access to credit lines up to 5 million rand, approximately $280,000, within 24 hours.
Founded in 2014 by Neil Welman and Trevor Gosling, the startup raised $35 million, in 2023, to support its expansion. At the time, co-founder Trevor Gosling stated, "We had more time to think about how to engage with our customers and understand their needs and problems and eventually realized that access to credit is just one of the big parts we can be doing for our businesses." He added, "So we went down the road of building our digital bank. Also, we know businesses need cash flow management and so we've broadened our horizon from just access to funding to how we solve end-to-end cash flow."
Lulalend's mobile application, available on both iOS and Android, has been downloaded over a thousand times, according to the Play Store. After creating an account, the platform uses algorithm-based assessments of a business's financial data to determine credit eligibility. This model helps SMEs monitor their cash flow, anticipate financing needs, and focus on growth.
The startup claims to have several thousand active clients across South Africa, operating in sectors such as retail, services, and others.
Written in French by Adoni Conrad Quenum,
Translated and adapted into English by Mouka Mezonlin
She develops digital tools to monitor women's health in Africa. Her platform allows them to track their menstrual cycle, monitor their pregnancy, and access online healthcare services.
Kidist Tesfaye (photo), an Ethiopian tech entrepreneur, founded and leads YeneHealth, a startup dedicated to the health and well-being of African women. The company particularly focuses on sexual and reproductive health.
Founded in 2022, YeneHealth provides services tailored for women in East Africa and beyond through a mobile app and website. The app uses artificial intelligence to track menstrual cycles and pregnancies. Users can monitor their cycles, ovulation, symptoms, and mood while receiving personalized advice.
Pregnant women using the platform receive weekly guidance, expert tips, and tools to track their baby's development. YeneHealth also operates an e-pharmacy, delivering health products in discreet, confidential packaging.
The platform offers educational content on topics like contraception, motherhood, wellness, and mental health, all validated by healthcare professionals. It also facilitates virtual consultations with certified doctors and pharmacists directly through the app.
Tesfaye is also a co-founder and co-chair of Harvard Alumni Entrepreneurs in Africa, a network for Harvard graduates. In 2017, she founded Art in Addis, an art event company designed to create spaces for artistic exchange.
She earned a bachelor's degree in public health from the University of Minnesota in 2015. She later obtained a master's in education from Harvard University in 2019, specializing in medical education and entrepreneurship.
Tesfaye began her career in the U.S. banking sector in 2011, working there for five years before shifting to health. In 2016, she returned to Ethiopia to join St. Paul's Hospital Millennium Medical College. There, she served as Director of Strategic and Innovative Operations and of the International Communications and Partnerships Office. From July 2018 to May 2025, Tesfaye worked as a senior consultant at KP Innovative Solutions, a consulting firm with clients in finance, health, and education.
Written in French by Melchior Koba,
Translated and adapted into English by Mouka Mezonlin
Niger is launching a major overhaul of its identification system to boost security and improve administrative efficiency. The government will use biometric technology to modernize ID documents and better serve citizens.
On June 27, in Niamey, Niger’s Minister of State for the Interior, General Mohamed Toumba, signed two memorandums of understanding with Wissal Samtali, director of the Libyan firm Al Itissan Al-Jadeed, which specializes in biometric and digital identity solutions. These agreements set up a public-private partnership to revamp Niger’s identity documents.
Signature ce Vendredi 27 juin 2025 à Niamey, de deux mémorandums d'entente entre le Ministre d'État, Ministre de l'Intérieur de la Sécurité Publique et de l'Administration du Territoire, le Général de Division Mohamed Toumba et la Directrice de la société Al Itissan Al-Jadeed… pic.twitter.com/MYAo9k7ib1
— النيجر بالعربية Niger Fr (@NigerAR) June 27, 2025
The first memorandum covers the design, financing, construction, and maintenance of a system to issue electronic biometric passports. These e-passports will be made of polycarbonate and contain secure chips to fight fraud and improve the credibility of Nigerien travel documents internationally.
The second memorandum launches the creation of a new electronic national identity card (e-ID). The card will meet international security standards and enable secure online identification. Officials expect it to speed up administrative processes and lay a foundation for efficient digital governance.
These efforts go beyond simple document upgrades. Niger aims to build a digital ecosystem where secure identification supports services such as online authentication, e-government platforms, banking, social protection programs, and border control.
However, authorities must overcome challenges to make the new e-ID a true tool for development and inclusion. They must ensure fair access across the country, build a reliable and connected identification system, enforce legal protections, and secure citizens’ data—a crucial asset in today’s digital economy.
This partnership marks a key step in Niger’s modernization strategy and highlights the growing importance of intra-African cooperation. Wissal Samtali said the deal sends a strong signal that could encourage more cross-border projects in identification technology across Africa.
Samira Njoya
Angola has partnered with American technology company Cybastion to improve its cybersecurity. The government signed a deal with Cybastion, which pledged to invest $25 million to strengthen Angola’s digital defenses.
This agreement follows a memorandum of understanding the two parties signed in March during the Mobile World Congress 2025 in Barcelona. The partnership is part of Cybastion’s “Digital Fast Track initiative.”
Officials said this first investment marks the initial phase of a broader $170 million program launched with Angola Telecom. The full program includes creating a national cybersecurity agency and training a new generation of cybersecurity professionals. Angola will collaborate with the Cisco Networking Academy to deliver these training programs.
These moves support Angola’s national digital transformation strategy. The government wants to use information and communication technologies (ICT) to drive socio-economic development. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) considers cybersecurity essential for any successful digital transformation.
In 2024, the ITU ranked Angola in “Tier 4” on its global cybersecurity index, the second-lowest level on a five-point scale. This score shows Angola has made some progress with regulations and international cooperation. However, the country still needs to strengthen technical tools for detection and incident response, improve organizational processes, and boost training and awareness for all stakeholders.
This article was initially published in French by Isaac K. Kassouwi
Edited in English by Ange Jason Quenum
Through these efforts, TikTok is not just promoting digital safety but also actively contributing to mental health awareness and support across Africa, setting a new standard for global social platforms.
As Africa experiences a boom in digital connectivity and online activity, TikTok held its first-ever African Summit on Digital Wellbeing and Mental Health, bringing together mental health experts, NGOs, content creators, and institutional representatives.
Held in Johannesburg, South Africa, the event, announced June 27, 2025, is part of the platform’s push to promote healthier and more responsible use of social networks while addressing mental health challenges faced by young Africans in today’s increasingly connected world.
With over 150 million (189.3M per Intelpoint data) monthly active users in Africa, TikTok has firmly established itself as a major player on the continent’s digital scene. Recognizing its influence on behavior, especially among teenagers and young adults, the company is stepping up its efforts to raise awareness around mental health issues and create safer online spaces.
The summit aimed to raise awareness about the effects of excessive social media use on mental health, promote healthy and responsible use of TikTok among young people, and create a safer, more supportive digital environment for African youth. Discussions covered topics such as screen time management and digital dependency, cyberbullying and online social pressures, the impact of algorithms on self-image, and ways to promote educational, positive, and culturally relevant content.
Key stakeholders involved included mental health professionals from the World Health Organization’s Fides Network. NGOs such as the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), Mentally Aware Nigeria Initiative (MANI), and Kenya’s Mental360 also took part, along with influential African content creators, including psychologists and doctors serving as new Mental Health Ambassadors.
During the summit, TikTok announced several major commitments. These included strengthening moderation, safety, and parental control tools on the platform, expanding the #MentalHealthMatters campaign across Africa (which has already inspired over 6.5 million posts globally), and launching a new Mental Health Education Fund to support local initiatives. Selected NGOs will receive funding and training to create culturally relevant mental health content and reach wider audiences.
In addition, TikTok is expanding in-app mental health helpline resources across Africa, connecting users directly to local support organizations in countries such as South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, Zambia, Namibia, Mauritius, and Malawi. Through these efforts, TikTok aims to empower young Africans to use social media more mindfully while building stronger, safer, and more supportive digital communities across the continent.
As more young people come online in Africa, they face increased exposure to misinformation, cyberbullying, and mental health challenges. The Digital Well-Being Summit and TikTok’s expanded mental health initiatives come at a critical time for Africa’s fast-growing digital ecosystem.
These efforts not only protect vulnerable users but also empower young people to engage online more confidently, supporting broader goals for digital inclusion, youth development, and community resilience across Africa. By taking a leadership role in mental health and online safety, TikTok demonstrates social responsibility and positions itself as a platform that genuinely cares about user well-being.
Hikmatu Bilali
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Shoptreo connects African artisans and small brands to local and global buyers
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The mobile platform offers fashion, beauty, decor, and handmade accessories
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The startup raised undisclosed funding to expand its network and international reach
Shoptreo, a Nigerian startup, has launched a B2B e-commerce platform designed to connect artisans, creators, and small local brands to both national and international buyers. The company, founded in 2021 by Emmanuel Jacobs and George Uteh, operates from Aba in Nigeria and Dover in the United States.
“Shoptreo offers digital solutions that streamlines business and financial operations for SMEs in the informal B2B fashion market in Nigeria and West Africa,” the startup explained.
The service is currently available through a mobile application for Android users only. The platform provides an intuitive digital showcase for a wide range of African-made products, including traditional clothing, handmade accessories, beauty products, and home decor items.
In addition to its marketplace, Shoptreo offers sellers tools to manage inventory, track orders, and access training opportunities. The aim is to digitize the informal sector, which is often excluded from traditional distribution networks.
To accelerate its growth, Shoptreo announced this week that it has secured new funding, though the amount was not disclosed. The funds will help expand its artisan network, improve logistics, and boost its global presence, especially among the African diaspora.
At a time when Africa is working to promote its local products, Shoptreo positions itself as a strong alternative. With a model built on technology and social impact, the company reflects the rise of African-led solutions designed for local realities but geared toward global markets.
At Vivatech Paris last April, the startup gained attention for its effective solutions to the persistent challenges of interoperability, cost, and accessibility in cross-border payments across Africa.
Lengo Pay, a fintech solution developed by a Guinean startup, announced its expansion into Morocco on Tuesday, June 24. The Conakry-based startup, founded in 2024 by Thierno Ibrahim Diallo, enables users to make payments, send or receive money, pay bills, and manage a digital wallet without geographic limitations.
The solution operates through a web-based interface rather than a mobile app. It provides a technological infrastructure designed to connect mobile wallets, banks, and merchants. Lengo Pay relies on a robust and scalable API that facilitates the integration of its services into third-party applications, particularly for merchants, e-commerce platforms, and financial institutions.
Beyond its technology, the fintech promotes a strong inclusion agenda. It targets both unbanked users and small businesses or informal workers by offering an alternative to traditional financial channels. This aligns with public policies that leverage digital finance to expand access to essential services.
The solution is compatible with several existing mobile payment systems, making it relevant in fragmented environments where various operators coexist.
Currently in its rollout phase, Lengo Pay aims to structure its offering around concrete use cases such as diaspora remittances, cross-border payments for merchants, and the digitization of public payments. Its vision is to build “an online payment gateway designed to meet the diverse needs of the modern commercial landscape.”
This article was written in French by Adoni Conrad Quenum,
Edited in English by Mouka Mezonlin
More...
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Côte d’Ivoire appeals for 100 billion FCFA fund ($178M) to support tech startups, calls for private investment.
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Aims to bridge seed funding gap and boost digital transformation.
The Ivorian government is betting on a new strategy to drive the creation and expansion of technology businesses. Ibrahim Kalil Konaté, the Minister of Digital Transition, has formally appealed to private investors to help establish a 100 billion CFA franc fund, approximately $178 million, aimed at supporting the country’s young startups and tech projects.
“Let’s have faith in our youth. They are creators. I call on the private sector to support Côte d’Ivoire’s digital startups. Together, we will build this powerful financial vehicle to accelerate our country’s digital transformation,” Konaté declared during a public address. In an interview with panafrican media Jeune Afrique, he added that the fund seeks to improve access to financing for entrepreneurs often hampered by a lack of seed capital.
The initiative comes amid strong digital momentum in the country. Ivory Coast now hosts nearly 300 active startups and some 10,000 aspiring entrepreneurs in fields such as fintech, edtech, agritech, and healthtech. To structure this ecosystem, authorities adopted a Startup Act in November 2023, which introduced a “Digital Startup” label, fiscal and customs incentives, and a national labeling committee.
Despite these efforts, private funding remains scarce. While some young entrepreneurs already benefit from Startup Boost Capital, a fund launched in 2023 to improve access to financing, many startups remain underfunded and struggle to secure the resources needed to scale.
With this new fund, the government hopes to attract private and institutional capital to complement existing public support and foster the growth of high-potential startups with strong socio-economic impact. The target, as outlined in the Côte d’Ivoire Numérique 2030 strategy, is clear: make digital technology contribute 10% of GDP by 2028.
This article was written in French by Samira Njoya,
Edited in English by Mouka Mezonlin
Amr Gamal started his career in telecommunications, then expanded into industry and finance. He later focused on creating digital tools that meet companies’ operational needs.
Gamal, an Egyptian tech entrepreneur, co-founded and leads Octane, a start-up specializing in digital management of payments and expenses for vehicle fleets.
Octane, founded in 2022, developed a digital platform to manage fleet costs such as fuel, maintenance, spare parts, petty cash, and tolls. The platform uses a closed digital wallet that centralizes all mobility payments in a secure, traceable system.
The platform includes advanced technologies like NFC smart cards, which ensure payments happen only at service stations, reducing fraud risk. The system requires a pump photo for every transaction, sends instant alerts if payments don’t match actual consumption, and collects mileage data manually for accurate tracking.
Octane connects clients to more than 2,400 service stations. It also provides real-time analytics, automated controls, and detailed reports to optimize costs, prevent fraud, and improve fleet efficiency. Recently, Octane raised $5.2 million to expand in the Middle East and North Africa, upgrade its AI tools, and add features like support for electric vehicles.
Before founding Octane, Gamal co-founded TEDxCairo in 2010 to bring together changemakers and spark local and international innovation.
Gamal graduated from Ain Shams University in 2010 with a bachelor’s degree in electronics and communications. That same year, he began his career at Orange Egypt, where he worked as transmission quality engineer, radio quality and benchmarking engineer, radio frequency optimization team leader, and geomarketing team leader.
In 2015, he joined Procter & Gamble as operations and initiative availability manager for the Near East. In 2018, he became a marketing team leader at Vodafone. In 2022, he served as operations director at FlapKap, a financial company in Abu Dhabi.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Edited in English by Ange Jason Quenum
Mohamed Khalil Ben Chebil develops digital tools to help employees communicate better with their employers. He focuses on improving work organization and the flow of information inside Tunisian companies.
Ben Chebil, a Tunisian entrepreneur, co-founded and leads Tym, a start-up that builds digital solutions for human resources management.
Tym, launched in 2023, created a platform that aims to modernize HR practices in Tunisia. The platform lets employers collect team feedback and analyze employee expectations and needs. This system helps companies listen more effectively to their staff and adjust internal policies based on real employee concerns.
Tym’s solution integrates employees into decisions about their work environment. It makes it easier for staff to share their thoughts on working conditions and personal challenges.
Ben Chebil graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Information and Communication Technology Management from the Higher Institute of Technological Studies in Communications of Tunis in 2022. He earned a master’s degree in Computer Science at the Higher Institute of Computer Science of Tunisia in 2024.
He started his career in 2020 at the Central Bank of Tunisia, working in banking. In 2021, he interned at 1wayDEV, a company offering customer experience outsourcing services. In 2022, he joined Makers Factory, an incubator for content creators, as a support officer.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Edited in English by Ange Jason Quenum
• Mobile services in DR Congo face heavy taxes, driving up costs for users
• Total tax burden includes VAT, excise duties, and sector-specific levies
• GSMA urges tax reforms to improve digital inclusion and mobile access
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) applies one of the heaviest tax burdens on mobile services in Africa, pushing up the cost of voice, data, and mobile money for users. According to the Mobile Sector Taxation: Comparative Fiscal Burden in DRC report published in June 2025 by the GSMA, this tax pressure is limiting digital access, slowing financial inclusion, and hindering the country’s digital transformation.
The report lists several sector-specific taxes. Revenues from mobile services are subject to a 16% value-added tax (VAT) and a 10% excise duty. Additional levies include a 2% contribution to the universal service fund, charged on turnover, and a 3.6% RAM fee intended to support internet access in universities.
While the dedicated mobile money tax was removed, these transactions remain subject to VAT and excise duties, keeping costs high for users.
The cumulative tax burden increases the final price for consumers, especially for low-income groups. Rural communities, youth, and women are among the most affected, even though mobile services play a vital role in providing access to information, education, and financial services. The GSMA warns that the current tax structure limits the spread of digital tools among vulnerable groups.
Data from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) supports this concern. In 2024, the average cost of mobile services in the DRC was 16.4% of gross national income per capita, far above the ITU’s affordability benchmark of 2%. The GSMA attributes much of this gap to the high tax burden on operators and consumers.
To improve the situation, the GSMA is calling for a review of the tax system applied to mobile services. The association recommends lowering the excise duty to 3%, reducing the number of sector-specific taxes, and simplifying tax collection to promote investment and compliance among operators.
The GSMA also proposes exempting small mobile money transactions to boost usage among low-income households.
In 2018, the organization stated that tax reform in the sector could significantly expand mobile service penetration, particularly among low-income populations. According to the GSMA’s Advancing Digital Transformation in African Economies report, reducing or eliminating certain taxes could lower mobile internet prices by 13% year-on-year by 2028.