Top 5 African countries with the widest internet usage disparities

The 2024 State of Mobile Internet Connectivity Report by GSMA, the global association of mobile network operators, provides an in-depth review of global connectivity trends and insights into the critical obstacles to mobile internet adoption, with Africa remaining the It has been revealed that this is the area with the greatest internet coverage. and gaps in usage.

The report also notes that the main barrier to mobile internet adoption in all countries surveyed, particularly sub-Saharan Africa, is the affordability of internet-enabled mobile phones in particular.

Additionally, lack of digital skills and literacy was the biggest barrier to mobile internet adoption in all countries surveyed, second worldwide.

Entry-level gadgets cost 99% of the average monthly income of the poorest 20% of people in sub-Saharan Africa, where 25% of the world’s unconnected people live. An entry-level internet-enabled phone costs 24% of a woman’s monthly salary in LMICs, but only 12% for a man.

“Connectivity rates are highest in southern and western Africa at around 30%, and lowest in Central Africa at 19%. Central Africa also has the largest coverage gap of 34%,” the report said.

“Eastern Africa has the highest disparity in usage within the region, at 68%,” it added.

That being said, here are the African countries with the highest number of people without internet access, despite having access to it.

This list primarily shows the number of people without internet access, rather than internet penetration.

Therefore, countries with the largest populations are likely to be on the list, as well as technologically advanced countries such as China, India, and the United States.