🍔Quick Bite: Africa’s mobile internet connectivity has grown significantly, with 87% of sub-Saharan Africa now covered by mobile broadband. However, over half the population remains offline due to challenges like affordability and digital literacy.
🧠The Breakdown
At the end of 2023, 4.6 billion people worldwide were using mobile internet. That’s 57% of the global population, up by 160 million from the previous year, according to the latest State of Mobile Internet Connectivity 2024 report by GSMA. On the surface, this is a victory—a sign of our hyperconnected era. Yet, beneath the headlines lies a sobering reality, particularly for Africa. While the continent has made strides in mobile connectivity, the road to universal internet access is still riddled with challenges that threaten to leave millions behind.
Africa’s dual reality
Globally, only 4% of the population lives in areas without mobile broadband coverage. Africa, often seen as the last frontier for digital expansion, has witnessed tremendous progress in reducing its coverage gap. By the end of 2023, 87% of sub-Saharan Africa’s population lived within reach of a mobile broadband network, a significant leap from previous years.
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Last updated: November 25, 2024
