The mobile money levy is 4 times what it was in 2024
In 2024, the government levy on a K100 transfer was K0.08. In 2026 it is K0.32. Here is what changed, and how to pay less.
4xthe 2024 levy on everyday transfers
When you send mobile money to another person, you pay two things: the provider’s fee and the government’s Mobile Money Transaction Levy. The sender pays the levy, and it applies to transfers from one person to another. The levy started in January 2024. It doubled in 2025, and it doubled again in January 2026.
| You send | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| K100 | K0.08 | K0.16 | K0.32 | 4x |
| K500 | K0.20 | K0.40 | K0.80 | 4x |
| K1,000 | K0.50 | K1 | K2 | 4x |
| K2,000 | K0.80 | K1.60 | K4 | 5x |
| K5,000 | K1 | K2 | K7.50 | 7.5x |
Sources: Mobile Money Transaction Levy Act No. 16 of 2023, Mobile Money Transaction Levy Act No. 25 of 2024, Mobile Money Transaction Levy (Amendment) Act No. 22 of 2025. Values from 2024 to 2026.
What it means for you
- On everyday amounts up to K1,000, the levy is 4 times what it was in 2024.
- On bigger amounts it went up more: 5 times on K2,000 and 7.5 times on K5,000.
- The levy is a fixed amount for each band, so it hits small transfers hardest. On K20 it is 1.6% of the money. On K10,000 it is 0.08%.
How to pay less levy
- Send once, not in pieces. Every transfer pays the levy again. Three transfers of K50 pay K0.96 in levy. One transfer of K150 pays K0.32.
- Watch the limits. The levy on K1,000 is K2. The levy on K1,001 is K4.
- Pay shops and bills directly. By law, the levy applies to transfers from one person to another. Check your app for the fee on shop and bill payments.
Want to see the full cost of common transfers, fee and levy together? Read 5 mobile money habits that cost you money.