Lesotho has banned mobile operators from offering airtime and data advances to minors, tightening rules around how young people access telecom services in the country.
The move effectively stops under-18 users from borrowing airtime or data, a popular “use now, pay later” feature, amid growing concerns about consumer protection.
This implies that minors can no longer take on what is essentially micro-debt through their phones. Airtime advances work like small loans — users get credit upfront and repay on their next recharge. By restricting this for children, regulators are trying to curb early exposure to debt and prevent potential exploitation.
Across Africa, airtime and data are not just communication tools; they are gateways to the Internet, education, and financial services. But they also come with hidden costs and behavioural risks, especially for young users. Regulators are increasingly stepping in to protect vulnerable groups as mobile usage deepens across the continent.
Lesotho’s telecom sector has faced mounting scrutiny over consumer protection in recent years, including cases where operators were flagged for unfair practices and poor transparency. The latest restriction fits into a broader push to tighten oversight and put users, especially minors, at the centre of policy decisions.
