While this might not seem like much, it adds up over time and has a real impact on people’s wallets. And given that mobile money is a popular way to send and receive money in Mali, the new tax is hitting a lot of people where it hurts. Critics argue that these taxes disproportionately affect low-income earners who rely heavily on mobile money for their financial transactions.
On the flip side, the government says the taxes are necessary to boost revenue and fund public services. Mali has been facing economic challenges, and the government is looking for ways to increase its income. Telecom companies, on the other hand, are not pleased. They argue that the taxes will discourage people from using their services and could lead to a drop in revenue.
For now, the new taxes are here to stay, at least until further notice. The government has not given any indication of when or if they will be reviewed. In the meantime, Malians are adjusting to the new reality of slightly pricier mobile transactions. Only time will tell how these taxes will impact the country’s economy and the daily lives of its citizens.
That’s all for today. Stay safe and see you next time.
Victoria
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. Orange Mali has announced that the revenue generated from the recent tax hikes on the telecom sector will be used to fund basic infrastructure and social development projects. This move comes amidst a backdrop of already heavy taxation on the Sub-Saharan Africa telecom industry, with a 2023 GSMA report revealing that the sector contributed 8% of the region’s GDP in 2021, amounting to over $140 billion in economic value. Despite this substantial contribution, there are still gaps in usage (61%) and coverage (17%), partly due to the high tax burden on telecom companies.
Customers were promptly informed about the new taxes by telecom companies, but the additional costs have not been well-received by consumers. Many feel that these taxes are further straining their already tight budgets, especially given Mali’s ongoing challenges in security, economics, and politics. Consumer rights groups are also expressing concerns, calling for transparency in how the tax revenue will be utilized. They are demanding assurances that the funds will be directed towards infrastructure and social projects, and not lost in bureaucratic processes.
Adding to the skepticism is the noticeable increase in government spending, with the National Transitional Council’s budget rising from 11.7 billion CFA francs ($19.1 million) in 2024 to 13.9 billion CFA francs ($22.7 million) in 2025, along with a hike in the Transitional Presidency’s budget. This has raised questions about whether the tax hikes are genuinely aimed at development or merely to finance higher government expenditures.
Furthermore, the taxes were implemented without the approval of the National Transitional Council, bypassing the scheduled parliamentary session in April 2025. This has sparked debates about the legality of the government’s actions in imposing these taxes.
While the government argues that these taxes are necessary for national development, the escalating costs and growing public frustration indicate that there will be close scrutiny on how this tax revenue is utilized in the coming months. The focus will be on ensuring that the funds are channeled effectively towards the intended infrastructure and social development projects, as promised by Orange Mali and the government. The world of technology is constantly evolving, with new innovations and advancements being made every day. One area that has seen significant growth in recent years is artificial intelligence (AI). AI is the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, especially computer systems. It is used in a wide range of applications, from voice assistants like Siri and Alexa to self-driving cars and predictive analytics.
One of the key benefits of AI is its ability to automate repetitive tasks and improve efficiency. For example, AI-powered chatbots can handle customer service inquiries, freeing up human agents to focus on more complex issues. In the healthcare industry, AI is being used to analyze medical images and assist in diagnosing diseases, leading to faster and more accurate treatment.
AI is also being used to enhance cybersecurity efforts, by analyzing vast amounts of data to identify potential threats and vulnerabilities. This proactive approach can help prevent cyberattacks before they happen, saving businesses time and money in the long run.
In the field of education, AI is revolutionizing the way students learn and teachers teach. Personalized learning platforms use AI algorithms to adapt to each student’s individual learning style, providing targeted instruction and feedback. This can help struggling students catch up, while allowing advanced students to progress at their own pace.
However, as with any emerging technology, there are also challenges and concerns surrounding the use of AI. One major issue is the potential for bias in AI algorithms, which can lead to discriminatory outcomes. For example, if a facial recognition system is trained on a dataset that is not representative of the population, it may have difficulty accurately identifying individuals from certain racial or ethnic backgrounds.
Another concern is the impact of AI on the workforce, with some experts predicting that automation could lead to job displacement in certain industries. However, others argue that AI will create new job opportunities and spur economic growth, as workers are freed up to focus on more creative and strategic tasks.
Overall, the potential of AI to transform industries and improve our daily lives is undeniable. As the technology continues to advance, it will be important for policymakers, businesses, and consumers to work together to ensure that AI is used responsibly and ethically. By addressing concerns such as bias and job displacement, we can harness the full potential of AI to create a brighter future for all.
