Togo's Minister of Digital Economy and Digital Transformation, Cina Lawson, has proposed a new fee to be levied on the country's telecommunications operators. The measure, part of a draft decree, aims to finance the Universal Service and Access Fund for the digital sector (FSAUN).
The fund is intended to subsidize the cost of digital access and equipment for populations in underserved areas, as well as support digital literacy and entrepreneurship initiatives. The proposal is a key component of the government's broader "Togo Digital 2025" strategy.
Telecom operators, including market leaders like Moov Africa Togo and TogoCom, have expressed concerns about the potential financial impact of the new levy. Industry representatives argue that additional fees could hinder network investment and ultimately increase costs for consumers.
The draft decree is currently under review, and its final adoption will determine the specific contribution rates and implementation mechanisms. The debate highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing public policy goals for digital inclusion with the economic realities of the telecommunications market.
