Africa had the lowest internet usage globally in 2024, with only 38% of its population online, according to the International Telecommunications Union.
This figure falls far below the global average of 68%, the ITU revealed in its “State of Digital Development in Africa” report.
“In 2024, the median price of an entry-level mobile broadband plan (2GB per month) stood at 4.2% of gross national income per capita,” the report noted. “These high costs hit low-income groups the hardest, deepening digital inequality.”
While mobile broadband covered 86% of Africans, rural areas saw only 75% coverage. Fixed broadband remains largely unaffordable, costing around 15% of GNI per person.
The report also showed a widening urban-rural divide, with 57% of city dwellers online compared to just 23% in rural areas.
“Digital transformation cannot succeed without robust digital governance,” the ITU warned, urging investment, improved regulation, and stronger cybersecurity measures.