ITU Report: Africa’s Digital Connectivity Lags As Two-Thirds Remain Offline

Africa’s digital connectivity trails global progress, the ITU Global Connectivity Report 2025 warns. About 74% of the world is online, yet only 36% in Africa use the internet.

The report argues that access alone is insufficient. Meaningful connectivity depends on quality, affordability, digital skills and network security, underpinned by resilient infrastructure and reliable power.

The ITU stresses that inclusive development hinges on universal, affordable and secure networks, or the benefits of digital transformation will continue to bypass large parts of the continent.

Africa’s Digital Connectivity: What You Need to Know

• Only 36% in Africa are online versus 74% globally; affordability, energy, infrastructure, skills and secure networks remain decisive barriers to Africa’s digital connectivity at scale.

The state of Africa digital connectivity in 2025

The ITU’s latest assessment confirms rapid global gains but a persistent regional divide. These African internet penetration statistics show only just over one in three people online in Africa, far from regions approaching 95% adoption.

Africa’s digital connectivity remains a defining development challenge this decade, with divides tracking income, education and geography.

For additional context, see resources from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and affordability guidance from the Broadband Commission.

Related regional analysis on next‑generation networks can be found in 5G in Africa, plus infrastructure momentum in Africa’s digital infrastructure.

Affordability and the energy-cost trap

Affordability remains the central barrier. In nine of ten low‑income economies, a 5 GB mobile broadband basket exceeds 10% of average monthly income, missing the 2% affordability target. For the bottom 40% of earners in LDCs and low‑income economies, the cost burden approaches 20% of GNI per capita.

Africa’s digital connectivity will not scale without breaking the energy–affordability cycle: unreliable power forces operators to run on diesel, driving price inflation.

Research cited by the ITU indicates that universal electricity access could lower mobile service prices in Sub‑Saharan Africa by about 42% on average.

Coverage, speed and usage gaps

Mobile networks dominate access, yet 5G expansion is uneven. Africa’s 5G coverage stands at roughly 8–13%, far below the 55% global average. Mobile broadband adoption is weaker, at 56 subscriptions per 100 people versus 99 globally.

Africa’s digital connectivity is further constrained by speed gaps: low‑income economies see mobile speeds at about 30% and fixed speeds at 20% of high‑income benchmarks. Security and resilience form part of “meaningful” access; next‑generation mobile brings both new risks and opportunities, as noted in this 5G security analysis.

Rural and gender divides

The urban–rural gap is stark. Globally, 85% of urban residents are online compared with 58% in rural areas.

In low‑income countries, only 14% of rural residents use the internet, about one‑third the urban rate. The largest gender gaps are in Africa and South Asia.

Closing these divides is central to Africa’s digital connectivity, demanding targeted measures for rural communities and women and girls.

Building trust and safety also matters; recent regional actions against cybercrime underline the need to pair access expansion with protection efforts, as covered in this report.

Infrastructure governance and resilience

Countries with integrated policy frameworks, national digital strategies, converged licensing and mandated infrastructure sharing perform markedly better, achieving 5G coverage roughly 40 percentage points higher.

With submarine cables carrying over 99% of international traffic, Africa’s digital connectivity also depends on faster cable repairs and streamlined permitting and customs.

The ITU and the International Cable Protection Committee have launched an advisory body to improve submarine cable resilience.

Coordinating for secure, resilient networks

Telecoms resilience is both a governance and engineering priority. Persistent threats to telecoms infrastructure demand robust oversight and incident readiness, as highlighted in this threat insight.

Practical programmes for rural reach, such as efforts noted in Nigeria’s rural connectivity, remain critical.

Satellite as part of a multi-technology stack

Where terrestrial roll‑outs are uneconomic, satellites can extend coverage, connect schools and clinics, and enhance resilience.

Governments should back a multi‑technology stack, fibre, mobile and satellite, to accelerate Africa’s digital connectivity in remote and underserved areas.

Bridging the data gap

Policy efficacy depends on measurement. The ITU notes a severe deficit in statistical capacity across the region, with countries reporting on average only one household or individual‑use indicator per year, often with delays.

Treating ICT statistics as a public good and investing in national statistical systems will target Africa’s digital connectivity interventions where they deliver the most impact.

Implications for policy, investment and inclusion

A coordinated push on energy access, fair pricing, infrastructure sharing and resilient backbones can expand coverage, reduce costs and lift productivity.

Prioritising the lowest‑income 40% and rural communities can turn Africa’s digital connectivity into a catalyst for jobs, SMEs and export growth, strengthening inclusive digital economies.

Without integrated strategies, regulatory reform and better data, progress will be uneven. Affordability barriers, weak resilience and coverage gaps will entrench divides.

If quality and security do not improve, Africa digital connectivity will remain limited to a minority, undermining trust and long‑term transformation.

Conclusion

The ITU Global Connectivity Report 2025 is a clear warning. Three‑quarters of the world are online, yet meaningful access remains out of reach for millions across Africa.

Accelerating progress requires coherent action: align energy and telecoms policy, strengthen governance, speed submarine cable repairs and embrace multi‑technology solutions, including satellite, to harden resilience.

Above all, investing in affordability, rural inclusion and the bottom 40% can turn Africa’s digital connectivity from a privilege into a scalable engine of equitable growth.

Questions Worth Answering

What is meant by meaningful connectivity in this report?

• It combines access with quality, affordability, digital skills and secure, resilient networks so users can participate productively and safely online.

How far behind is Africa in internet use?

• About 36% of people in Africa use the internet compared with roughly 74% globally, reflecting a significant regional divide.

Why are mobile data prices so high?

• In many low‑income economies, a 5 GB basket exceeds 10% of income. High energy costs and unreliable power increase operator costs and final prices.

How do coverage and speed gaps impact users?

• Lower 5G coverage, fewer broadband subscriptions and slower mobile and fixed speeds reduce reliability and limit digital opportunity for households and firms.

What role can satellite play in expansion?

• Satellite extends reach where fibre or mobile roll‑outs are uneconomical, supports clinics and schools, and adds redundancy during terrestrial outages.

What is driving Africa’s digital connectivity gaps?

• A mix of affordability barriers, power constraints, uneven 5G roll‑out, infrastructure deficits, and rural and gender divides.

Which policies show the strongest results?

• Integrated national strategies, infrastructure sharing, converged licensing, streamlined cable repair processes, and coordinated energy and telecoms planning.

About the International Telecommunication Union (ITU)

The International Telecommunication Union is the United Nations agency for information and communication technologies, responsible for global ICT coordination.

It sets standards, allocates radio spectrum and advances initiatives to expand secure, affordable and inclusive connectivity worldwide.

Through research, technical guidance and convening, the ITU supports policies and investments that enable universal and meaningful connectivity.

About Doreen Bogdan-Martin

Doreen Bogdan‑Martin is Secretary‑General of the International Telecommunication Union, leading the UN agency’s global ICT mission.

She champions inclusive, affordable and secure digital access, with a focus on bridging persistent connectivity gaps.

Her agenda underscores that meaningful connectivity is fundamental to sustainable and equitable digital development.