Stripe is deepening its footprint in Africa by expanding its automated tax support to five additional countries: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cape Verde, and Ethiopia.
Why it matters
Tax compliance is one of the biggest challenges for businesses operating across African markets. By automating this process, Stripe is making it easier for startups and global firms to scale across the continent.
Driving the news
The announcement was made at Stripe Sessions 2025, the company’s annual product event.
- Stripe Tax now supports automated tax payments in 102 countries, up from 57 a year ago.
- “We now support tax collection in one out of every two countries globally,” the company said in a blog post.
The big picture
Africa’s e-commerce market is projected to hit $180 billion by 2025, according to the International Finance Corporation.
- Growth is fueled by a young, mobile-first population and improving internet access.
- Yet, tax complexity and inconsistent regulations remain major barriers.
Between the lines
Stripe’s move goes beyond just payments. It’s building end-to-end infrastructure to support cross-border digital commerce.
- Stripe Tax automates VAT and sales tax calculation, collection, and remittance.
- It integrates with local authorities, generates filing reports, and removes the need for manual updates.
What they’re saying
Stripe says its goal is to “reduce the compliance burden” and help startups scale without getting bogged down by legal hurdles.
- The company believes tax complexity is a key reason startups struggle to expand internationally.
Zoom out
Stripe has already launched payments in fintech hubs like Nigeria, Kenya, Egypt, and South Africa.
- The latest expansion signals a commitment to support emerging markets with more than just transaction tools.
- Products like Atlas, Checkout, and now Tax are part of Stripe’s broader push to become the operating system for global internet commerce.
Bottom line
With automated tax tools now live in over 100 countries, Stripe isn’t just tapping into Africa’s market potential — it’s helping shape it.
Source: The Condia
