Date: 17 September 2026
Time: 2:00–4:30 p.m. (EAT)
Format: Online
Background
Despite progress in digital connectivity, Africa continues to face significant challenges in internet access, affordability and digital inclusion. ICT-specific taxation including taxes on devices and services, excise duties, mobile money levies and withholding taxes can have important implications for the cost of connectivity, digital service usage and investment.
To support evidence-based policy reform, the UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) developed the report “Optimizing Tax Regimes Specific to the Information and Communications Technology Sector for Economic Growth and Job Creation in Africa”, together with an ICT tax calculator platform. The workshop will build on the report's findings and focus on translating evidence into practical, country-level implementation.
Objectives
The workshop will:
- Present the key findings and recommendations of the ICT taxation report.
- Discuss practical approaches to gradual reform of ICT-specific taxes.
- Strengthen coordination among finance, ICT, tax and regulatory institutions.
- Identify follow-up actions, technical assistance needs and opportunities for peer learning.
Participants
The workshop will bring together policymakers and technical experts from ministries of finance and ICT, revenue authorities, ICT regulators, national statistical offices, regional economic communities, African Union institutions, telecommunications and mobile money providers, research institutions and development partners.
Key Focus
The discussion will focus on phased ICT tax reform, fiscal and economic impact assessment, institutional coordination, broadband affordability, and practical country-level implementation.
Expected Outputs
- Shared understanding of the report's recommendations and their relevance to national implementation.
- An outline for country-level ICT tax impact assessments.
- Practical recommendations for phased reform of ICT-specific excise duties, VAT treatment of devices and data, and mobile money taxation.
- Key messages and proposed actions captured in a post-workshop summary.
To Register
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/TcTNPUaWR9CubsdNXGXFPw
Documents