Solely 38% of Africa’s inhabitants used web in 2024—ITU report 

The ITU disclosed this within the newest State of Digital Growth in Africa report, which paints a sobering image of the continent’s digital divide, regardless of a rising urge for food for Web connectivity throughout Africa.

The report exhibits that though Web adoption in Africa has been rising, hundreds of thousands stay offline as a result of excessive service prices, digital illiteracy, and an absence of dependable infrastructure, particularly in rural communities.

Connectivity prices nonetheless too excessive 

In keeping with the report, affordability stays a significant stumbling block to broader digital inclusion.

“In 2024, the median value of an entry-level cellular broadband plan (2GB monthly) stood at 4.2% of gross nationwide earnings (GNI) per capita, down barely from 4.6% in 2023.  

“That’s nonetheless greater than double the UN Broadband Fee’s affordability goal of two per cent, and the very best of any ITU area. 

“The scenario is even worse for mounted broadband, which carries a median price ticket of 15% of GNI per capita, putting it nicely past the attain of most African households.  

“These excessive prices hit low-income teams the toughest, deepening digital inequality throughout the continent,” the ITU acknowledged within the report.

Cell is king, however not for everybody 

The worldwide telecom physique famous that cellular networks proceed to be the spine of Web entry in Africa.

• It added that as of 2024, cellular broadband coated 86% of the inhabitants, but 14% stay fully unserved—a determine that spikes to 25% in rural areas.
• Though 70% of the inhabitants has entry to 4G, the report famous that round 16% nonetheless depend on 3G networks, which provide slower speeds and restricted digital experiences.
• In the meantime, 5G protection continues to be nascent, reaching simply 11% of the inhabitants, largely in choose city hubs.

City-rural divide 

The report exhibits that Africa’s digital revolution is being led by younger, city populations, whereas older adults and rural dwellers are being left behind.

The urban-rural divide is particularly stark: Web utilization in cities reached 57% in 2024, in comparison with simply 23% in rural areas—the widest hole amongst all ITU areas.

• This divide is compounded by unequal infrastructure funding. Whereas 4G and 5G rollouts prioritize city areas, rural areas stay caught with older and slower networks.
• The ITU emphasizes the necessity for focused insurance policies and infrastructure funding to shut this digital hole.
• On the coverage entrance, noticed that many African nations have made strides in updating their ICT regulatory frameworks, shifting towards extra aggressive and investment-friendly environments.
• Nonetheless, the ITU notes that solely 18% of African international locations have reached probably the most superior stage of ICT regulation (G4), nicely beneath the worldwide common of 38%.

“Digital transformation can’t succeed with out sturdy digital governance,” the ITU warns.

The report requires improved coordination on digital id, digital expertise, and cross-sector insurance policies, alongside stronger efforts in cybersecurity and knowledge safety.

What you must know 

Nigeria, which has one of many largest cellular connectivity within the continent, recorded 138.7 million cellular connections as of December 2024, in line with knowledge from the Nigerian Communications Fee.

Broadband penetration within the nation stood at 44.43% in the identical interval, whereas 42% of the nation’s connectivity was nonetheless on 2G, with 5G connections accounting for under 2.4%.