Sub-Saharan Africa least connected region globally, faces largest digital divide: study

Sub-Saharan Africa continues to lag behind in mobile Internet connectivity, with only 46% of adults using mobile internet services.

That’s according to the GSMA’s 2024 State of Mobile Internet Connectivity report. This positions the region as the least connected globally, far below the worldwide average of 71%.

The report reveals a stark digital divide, with sub-Saharan Africa facing both the largest coverage gap (13%) and usage gap (60%) worldwide. While Southern and Western Africa show connectivity rates around 30%, Central Africa trails at just 19%, with the region’s largest coverage gap at 34%.

Device affordability remains a high barrier, particularly affecting the region’s poorest populations. For the bottom 20% of income earners in sub-Saharan Africa, an entry-level internet-enabled device costs 99% of their average monthly income. 

The challenge is especially acute for women in low- and middle-income countries, who face device costs equivalent to 24% of monthly income, compared to 12% for men.

Beyond affordability, the region struggles with digital literacy and infrastructure challenges. Most users still rely on 3G smartphones or feature phones, with nearly two-thirds of the population lacking access to 4G or 5G devices, limiting their digital experience.

The GSMA suggests that bringing unconnected populations online could generate US$3.5 trillion for the global economy between 2023 and 2030, with 90% of this impact benefiting low- and middle-income countries.

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