Taxation and mobile services in Africa

According to the GSM Association, the mobile sector in sub-Saharan Africa is in the second phase of private sector investment which began in 2005 and was characterised by international investment. The first phase of investment was characterised by entrepreneurial endeavours where the private sector and multilateral agencies backed companies to cash flow positive positions.

Estimated total investment by mobile operators: sub-Saharan Africa

Source: GSMA estimates based on operator data

Total taxes as a share of total revenue by mobile operators – 2006

Source: Operator data

Estimated total investment by mobile operators: sub-Saharan Africa

Source: Frontier analysis note: due to date availability, this estimate is based on data from 22 operators representing an average of 91% of total connections. We have grossed up the annual total presented above to represent 100% of connections.