Internet connectivity in Africa plays significant roles in facilitating and achieving several social, political, economic and informational goals for the people. Its fast-paced increase and widespread influence across the continent in the last few years have, among other benefits, propelled the sudden increase in the use of modern technological innovations for the achievement of global objectives by Africans.
While these benefits include but are not limited to the use of social media and other internet-based platforms for commercial gains through business promotions, content creation, skill acquisition, sales and service delivery, among others, the African continent emerges as a continent ripe with online potential.
According to existing data, internet users in Africa increased to nearly 645 million in 2023, around 3.5 times more than in 2014, and over 1.1 billion individuals on the continent are expected to be connected to the internet by 2029, according to forecasts by Statista.
However, with increasing internet penetration rates and a growing tech-savvy populace, certain countries still stand out for their strong online presence and communities in the dynamic digital landscape, thus ranking as the most active African countries on the internet based on usage. Let’s find out about six such countries.
- Nigeria
According to data obtained from Statista, Nigeria takes lead as the African country with the most active internet users in 2024. Its over 200 million population, which encompasses a vibrant youthful demographic coupled with rapid urbanization and an ever-increasing smartphone penetration, propels the continuous rising numbers bustling its digital ecosystem. Social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok are extremely popular in the country and contribute immensely to its over 103 million internet users. Nigeria, however, ranks very low on the internet penetration rate by country in the continent, with a 45.5% index placed in the 23rd position.
2. Egypt
With over 82 million users, Egypt becomes the second country with the highest number of internet users in Africa, with a 72.2% internet penetration rate on the continent by 2024. This, however, places Egypt in the 10th spot based on internet penetration rates.
3. South Africa
Considered one of Africa’s most advanced economies, South Africa ranks third with over 45 million internet users and an internet penetration rate of 74.7%, ranking 7th amongst other countries on the continent.
4. Morocco
Morocco amasses as much as over 34 million internet users, ranking 4th, according to Statista. It, however, possesses the highest penetration rate on the continent, at as high as 90.7%, followed by the Arabian nation of Libya.
5. Algeria
Algeria boasts over 33 million Internet users and, therefore, ranks 5th amongst African countries with the most active internet users based on usage. On the share of internet users in Africa as of January 2024, by country, Algeria ranks 9th with an internet penetration rate of 72.9%.
6. Ghana
Almost always compared with Nigeria, Ghana has over 24 million internet users, ranking 6th with a 69.8 penetration rate, placing the African country in the 12th spot of the interest index.
With countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, Ethiopia and Kenya following suit, these nations exemplify the continent’s digital potential, leveraging technology to drive social change, economic growth, and innovation. Also, as Africa’s digital frontier continues to evolve, these countries stand poised to lead the charge towards a more connected and prosperous future.
