The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) recently released its “Facts and Figures 2023” report, which shows a steady increase in internet connectivity across Africa. Despite a slight dip in the percentage of the African population with internet access from 40% to 37%, there has been a consistent upward trend over the last decade.
The surge in internet usage between 2020 and 2022 can be attributed to various factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced many activities online. However, disruptions in internet service in some African countries, attributed to cutting the WACS and SAT-3 submarine cables, decreased usage between 2022 and 2023.
Although Africa’s 37% internet usage rate significantly improved from 16% in 2013, it still lags behind the global average of 67%. There is a need for progress in the continent to bridge this gap, as enhanced connectivity could significantly boost various economic sectors, such as e-commerce. The e-commerce sector in Africa has already seen tremendous growth, with total revenue reaching US$32.49 billion in 2022 and 387.5 million online shoppers in Africa.
To enhance internet access in Africa, the Internet Society has made several recommendations, including reforming the telecom market to encourage the emergence of competing access networks and expanding national basic infrastructures beyond major submarine cable landing points and primary population centres to additional population hubs.
