Latest report by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) has revealed that a whopping 62% of Africa’s population was offline in 2024 as only 38% of the people on the continent used internet in the year.
This scenario pushed the continent to record the lowest rate of internet usage in the, with its 38% internet usage rate significantly lower than the global average of 68%, highlighting the continent’s struggle to bridge the digital divide.
The ITU’s State of Digital Development in Africa report reveals that despite the increasing desire among Africans to access the internet, many are still offline due to high service costs, limited digital skills, and poor network infrastructure, especially in rural areas.
The report identifies cost as a key obstacle, noting that in 2024, the median price of an entry-level mobile broadband plan (2GB per month) accounted for 4.2% of gross national income (GNI) per capita—still more than double the UN Broadband Commission’s target of 2%.
Similarly, fixed broadband is even more expensive, costing around 15% of GNI per person, making it unaffordable for many.
According to the ITU, “These high costs disproportionately affect low-income groups, exacerbating digital inequality across the continent.”
The ITU also pointed out that mobile networks are the primary means of internet access in Africa.
“While mobile broadband covers 86% of the population, 14% still have no access, and this figure rises to 25% in rural areas,” the report seen by Business Metrics shows.
In terms of network technology, the latest report shows that 70% of people have access to 4G, but around 16% still rely on slower 3G networks, while only 11% of the population, mainly in urban centers, has access to 5G.
ITU further heighted the existence of a stark digital gap exists between urban and rural areas in Africa.
The report disclosed the wide disparity, stating that internet usage in cities reached 57% in 2024, but only 23% in rural areas, representing the widest urban-rural gap in the world.
“This gap is widening as investments focus on urban centers, leaving rural areas underserved,” it added.
The ITU called for stronger policies and greater investment to improve internet access in rural areas.
While many African countries are working to enhance their ICT regulations, it noted that only 18% have reached the most advanced level of regulation (G4), far below the global average of 38%.
The report emphasized that digital transformation cannot succeed without strong digital governance and urged improved coordination in areas such as digital ID systems, digital skills training, and cross-sector policies.
It also called for more robust cybersecurity and data protection measures across the continent.
