An ICT revolution is underway in Africa. New possibilities have been created by the landing of international broadband sea cables on African shores and by the rapid spread of mobile telephony all over the continent. As a result, there are many startup ICT businesses trying to create new and inventive products and services, based upon internationally available technology but tailored to African markets and needs. However, little empirical research has yet been done regarding role that law plays in the absorption of technological knowledge in this particular sector and context.In this study, empirical data from case studies in Zambia, Kenya and Ghana is compared to what has been assumed in literature to be the role of law in absorptive capacity. The results of this study provide insight in the actual role that law has played for startup ICT businesses, which may have significant policy implications for national governments and regulators in developing countries that seek to promote their ICT sector.