Internet connectivity is one of the most important drivers of economic growth. However, because of their economic status, it is expensive for many Africans.
According to experts, Africa needs to make internet access cheap and affordable for its citizens. According to research by Cable.co.uk, here is a list of African countries with the most inexpensive internet.
Malawi
The internet in Malawi is the cheapest in Sub-Saharan Africa. One gigabyte of data costs $0.38, which is about 400 in the Malawian currency. Interestingly, internet prices in Malawi used to be as expensive as $27.41 per gigabyte, which was a very high percentage of the citizen’s income.
Nigeria
Nigeria’s internet prices are the second cheapest in sub-Saharan Africa. One gigabyte of data costs $0.39, which is about N300, putting the country at 31st globally for the cheapest mobile data. However, these prices may differ according to the mobile provider and data plan.
Ghana
Ghana is third on the list, and a gigabyte of data costs about $0.40, which is about 4.60 Ghana Cedis.
Somalia
Somalia’s internet costs about $0.50, which is also the currency used in the country. However, some plans may fall as low as $0.19. Somalia has a very competitive telecommunication market, with several providers offering various data plans and rates. This competition helps to keep prices low for consumers. Sometimes, the most expensive data plans can get as high as $1.67 per gigabyte.
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Internet in DRC costs about $0.52 per gigabyte, with the cheapest being $0.36. DRC has many options for fixed internet plans, even though mobile data is more prevalent.
Rwanda
Rwanda’s internet costs $0.55 per gigabyte, which is 666.67 in the country’s currency. According to VisitRwanda, major cities in Rwanda have high-speed 4G LTE wireless broadband. WiFi networks are also available in high-end places like hotels. In recent years, the Rwandan government has invested heavily in building its internet infrastructure. This has led to a significant increase in internet penetration in the country.
Kenya
Internet in Kenya costs about $0.59 per gigabyte, equivalent to 86.11 KES. Kenya’s internet penetration is about 32.7 percent. Mobile phone data is more prominent as mobile network operators (MNOs) have extensive coverage nationwide.
Mauritius
Internet in Mauritius costs $0.67. Mauritius boasts of a high internet penetration rate, which data puts at 75.76 percent, with many homes enjoying internet access. Mauritius has invested in building a robust internet infrastructure, including two undersea cables for international internet capacity and plans for two more.
Sierra Leone
One gigabyte of data costs $0.67. However, depending on the plan, prices can range from as low as $0.64 to as high as $1.19 per gigabyte. Sierra Leone’s internet access is still developing, so it is only readily available in the capital city. It is also slower than the global average.
Congo
In Congo Brazzaville, one gigabyte of internet costs $0.68. It may sometimes move to $1 and even $5 at austere times. The internet here is slower than globally acceptable. Also, the lack of developed infrastructure, especially fibre optic cable networks, hinders wider internet access.
Six of the top 50 cheapest internet-cost countries in the world are in sub-Saharan Africa. Africa also has five of the ten most expensive countries in the world, with Zimbabwe being the most expensive on the continent and globally at $43.75. Saint Helena is next at $40.13, South Sudan is next at $23.70, the Central African Republic is next at $10.90, and Zambia is last at $8.01.
According to experts, internet usage has increased on the continent because of the adoption of smartphones, improved network infrastructure (4G and 5G), affordable data plans, the availability of mobile-friendly content, the popularity of social media and apps, and overall economic development in various regions.
