A growing number of Africans can access the internet as of today, compared to the last two decades, when accessing smartphones was difficult and the internet itself hadn’t boomed yet as it is today.
At least 37% of Africans are able to access the internet, a meager growth compared to the developed regions, like the Americas, Arab States, and Asia & Pacific. However, this leaves hundreds of millions offline and properly uninformed.
The growing number of internet users in Africa can be attributed to the seamless access to smartphones and computers, which was barely possible two decades ago.
The access to the internet has revolutionized how people communicate and access information, creating a global community with borders. Illiteracy in Africa has significantly dropped, owing to the increasing access to basic education by the younger generation.
A staggering number of people using the internet today are educated ones. These are individuals who can at least convey a message and access important information on the internet. Access to cheaper gadgets has also contributed to the rising number of internet users on the continent.
Social platforms like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and YouTube account for the highest number of internet users in Africa. People aged 18-35 years account for the highest internet users.
Nigeria leads Africa with the highest number of internet users and 7th globally. Nigeria’s population is the highest on the continent, with more than half of the population living in urban areas. More than half of Nigerians account for the largest portion of internet users.
Egypt has the second-most internet users in Africa and is 12th in the world. Egypt is an emerging economy and is one of the most developed countries on the continent, with a large portion of its population educated.
African Countries with the Highest Internet Users 2024
Sources: International Communication Union| World Population Review
