Bridging the Digital Divide: The State of Mobile Internet Connectivity in Sub-Saharan Africa

Sub-Saharan Africa continues to grapple with significant challenges in mobile internet connectivity, remaining the least connected region globally. According to the latest GSMA State of Mobile Internet Connectivity 2024 report, only 46% of the adult population in this region utilizes mobile internet services. This statistic starkly contrasts with the global average, where approximately 71% of adults—around 4 billion individuals aged 18 and older—are engaged with mobile internet.

Understanding the Connectivity Landscape

In absolute terms, the mobile internet usage in sub-Saharan Africa is even more concerning. Only 27% of the total population, which includes a large number of individuals under 18, are using mobile internet services. This demographic factor skews the data, especially in a region characterized by a youthful population. The report highlights that 350 million people, or 4% of the global population, reside in remote areas devoid of mobile internet networks, marking a significant coverage gap.

However, the more alarming statistic is the usage gap: 3.1 billion people, or 39% of the global population, live in areas with mobile internet coverage but do not utilize it. This discrepancy indicates that the global usage gap is nine times larger than the coverage gap, with sub-Saharan Africa exhibiting the largest gaps in both categories—13% for coverage and a staggering 60% for usage.

Regional Comparisons and Trends

When comparing regions, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) show a more favorable scenario, with 49% of the total population using mobile internet and a usage gap of 47%. In contrast, sub-Saharan Africa’s connectivity challenges are compounded by a lack of infrastructure and digital literacy, which are critical for fostering mobile internet adoption.

Despite a steady increase in the global population accessing mobile internet, the growth rate is slowing. In the past year, only 160 million new users came online, a figure that mirrors 2022 levels but falls short of the more than 200 million new users added annually between 2015 and 2021. The GSMA report emphasizes that addressing the usage gap is crucial, as connecting these individuals could contribute an estimated $3.5 trillion to the global economy from 2023 to 2030, with 90% of this impact benefiting low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

The Infrastructure Challenge

The coverage gap primarily affects rural, impoverished, and sparsely populated areas, often found in less developed, landlocked, or small island developing states. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) estimates that a staggering $418 billion is required to build the necessary infrastructure for universal mobile internet access. Within Africa, connectivity rates vary significantly, with Southern and Western Africa achieving around 30% connectivity, while Central Africa lags behind at just 19%. Central Africa also faces the largest coverage gap at 34%, while Eastern Africa has the highest usage gap at 68%.

Barriers to Internet Usage

The barriers to mobile internet adoption in LMICs are multifaceted. The primary obstacles include device affordability and a lack of digital skills and literacy. In many of these countries, entry-level internet-enabled devices cost 18% of the average monthly income, escalating to 51% for the poorest 20% of the population. In sub-Saharan Africa, this figure is alarmingly high, with the cost of such devices reaching 99% of the average monthly income for the region’s poorest individuals.

Gender disparities also play a role; women in LMICs face higher costs for entry-level devices, spending 24% of their monthly income compared to 12% for men. Additionally, a significant barrier is the lack of digital skills and literacy, which hampers the ability of individuals to utilize mobile internet effectively.

Other established barriers include the absence of relevant, localized content and services, concerns over safety and security, and limited access to essential infrastructure such as electricity.

The Path Forward

To address these challenges, collaboration among governments, international organizations, and the mobile industry is essential. Efforts must focus on reducing barriers related to affordability, enhancing digital skills, and raising awareness about the benefits of mobile internet. Investments in local digital ecosystems and robust online safety frameworks are also critical to fostering a more inclusive digital environment.

John Giusti, chief regulatory officer at the GSMA, emphasizes that while progress has been made in expanding network infrastructure and increasing mobile internet adoption, significant digital divides persist. Many users access mobile internet daily, yet their activities are often limited to just one or two functions, indicating a need for more comprehensive digital engagement.

Conclusion

The State of Mobile Internet Connectivity 2024 report paints a sobering picture of the digital landscape in sub-Saharan Africa. While the potential for economic growth and development through increased connectivity is immense, realizing this potential requires concerted efforts to bridge the existing gaps. By addressing the barriers to mobile internet adoption and fostering an inclusive digital ecosystem, sub-Saharan Africa can move closer to achieving universal connectivity, unlocking opportunities for millions and driving sustainable development across the region.