Connecting Africa: The evolution of Internet access

Introduction

Internet access has become a fundamental aspect of our daily lives, allowing us to communicate, interact and access information like never before. However, African countries face unique challenges when it comes to internet access.

Challenges of Internet access in African countries

Internet access in African countries has grown steadily over the past decade. Despite this progress, there are still major challenges to widespread connectivity. One major obstacle is the lack of infrastructure in rural areas, where reliable internet access is virtually non-existent. Many countries in Africa also face the high cost of internet services, making it difficult for ordinary citizens to afford regular access. Limited electricity supply in some areas further complicates the situation, as internet connectivity relies heavily on a constant source of power.

Inequalities in access to the Internet

There are significant inequalities in internet access in African countries. While some countries have made significant progress, others still struggle with limited connectivity. As of 2021, only 43% of Africa's population had access to the internet, with only 0.4% having a fixed broadband connection. This low penetration rate is due to several factors, including poor infrastructure, high cost, and low computer literacy. However, internet usage in Africa is growing rapidly. Between 2000 and 2012, the number of internet users in Africa grew by more than 3,600% to 167 million. In Kenya, for example, the number of internet users grew by 9,700% between 2000 and 2013, increasing from 200,000 to more than 19.6 million users. 

Internet penetration rates in African countries

According to Statista, Morocco had an internet penetration rate of around 91% as of January 2024, making it the country with the highest internet penetration rate in Africa. Libya comes second with around 88%, followed by Seychelles with around 87%. On the other hand, South Sudan, Burundi and the Central African Republic had the lowest internet penetration. 

Mobile Internet and bridging the digital divide

Mobile broadband penetration in Africa has increased dramatically, with countries such as South Africa, Kenya and Nigeria leading the way. In these countries, mobile internet has become the primary means of accessing the web due to the widespread use of smartphones and affordable data plans. This shift has fuelled economic growth, improved education and the expansion of health services through telemedicine. Mobile phones have played an important role in bridging the digital divide in Africa, where there are more than 400 million mobile phone subscribers. As of early January 2024, about 74% of web traffic in Africa was via mobile phones, 14 percentage points higher than the global average. In addition, almost all African countries use web traffic on mobile devices more frequently than on other devices.

Conclusion

Internet access in African countries has come a long way, but challenges remain. By investing in infrastructure, reducing costs, increasing digital literacy and promoting collaboration, African countries can bridge the digital divide and unlock the enormous potential of the internet for their populations.