African Govts Move To Lock Minors Off Social Media In Continent-Wide Crackdown
· WeeTrackerAfrican Govts Move To Lock Minors Off Social Media In Continent-Wide Crackdown
By
Henry Nzekwe
| May 5, 2026
At least half a dozen African countries have proposed or implemented restrictions on social media access for minors in the past year, signalling a continent-wide shift toward tighter regulation of digital platforms as governments grapple with rising online risks to children.
Rwanda proposed legislation last week prohibiting children under 16 from using platforms including Facebook, TikTok and YouTube. An estimated 46% of schoolchildren in Rwanda access online platforms via mobile phones
Gabon imposed a sweeping ban on social media use for under-16s earlier this year, requiring platforms to enforce a digital age of majority at 16. Zimbabwe is moving to restrict minors’ access, citing concerns over cyberbullying, online exploitation and addiction. Information and Communication Technology Minister Tatenda Mavetera said the government wants to ban social media for children who have not reached the “maturity age of 18.”
Egypt is also pushing for a similar move. Meanwhile, Nigeria launched a nationwide public consultation in March to gather views on potential age restrictions, with officials considering stronger age-verification systems and enhanced platform accountability. South Africa is exploring age-verification requirements, though Communications Minister Solly Malatsi has cautioned that blanket bans could become “cosmetic interventions” if the state lacks enforcement capacity.
“I don’t think we’ll ever get globally to a perfect solution, but there have to be enough guardrails in place,” Malatsi said in February.
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Kenya’s parliament rejected an outright TikTok ban in February, instead backing tougher regulation, including age-verification mechanisms and improved content moderation. The government cited employment opportunities for young creators as a reason to preserve access. Tanzania has called for nationwide digital literacy efforts and is finalising a national action plan to monitor children’s online activity through SIM card safeguards.
The wave of proposed restrictions across Africa follows landmark legislation in other regions. Australia’s ban on under-16s took effect in December 2025, with more than 4.7 million accounts deactivated. France approved a ban for children under 15 in January 2026. Spain, Malaysia and Indonesia have adopted similar measures.
The African Union is developing a model law on child and youth online safety to be finalised by the end of this year, aiming to create a coordinated continental framework addressing cyberbullying, grooming and trafficking.
In Uganda, State Minister for Youth and Children Affairs Balaam Barugahara said the government plans to restrict children from accessing TikTok, calling it an “adult-only platform.”
Experts have questioned whether outright bans are feasible. “Children will still use their parents’ phones,” said Damon Wamara, executive director of the Uganda Child Rights NGO Network. “We need to focus more on digital literacy and parental guidance.”
The growing regulatory scrutiny reflects a fundamental tension as African governments move to protect children from online harm while navigating the economic opportunities digital platforms provide for youth creators and the practical challenges of enforcement.
Gabon’s ordinance, published in April, requires social media users to provide their name, address and personal identification number for age verification, going beyond the requirements of many Western countries.
Feature Image Credit: Lakshmiprasad S/Getty Images