Having access to the internet provides much needed access to information. This access can have a massive influence on one’s life as it offers access to education, work opportunities or news.
It is clear that Africa has not attained the high internet penetration rates obtainable in other parts of the world. In spite of these challenges a number of African countries have made great strides in this regard.
With this in mind here are the seven Africa countries with the highest internet penetration rates, courtesy of Internet World Stats:
7) Nigeria
The West African giant boasts a massive population, the biggest in Africa in fact with over 191,835,936 people currently living in Nigeria. With such a large population, the task of providing the entire population with access to the internet is significantly tougher than many of their fellow African countries. Despite this Nigeria has an internet penetration percentage of 48.8% making it the 7th highest on the continent.
6) Tunisia
Bordering the Mediterranean Sea and the Sahara Desert, Tunisia is a North African country with a population of around 11,494,760. The internet played a significant role in the dramatic events of the Arab Spring, highlighting the power of online communication. Tunisia has the 6th highest internet penetration rate in Africa with 50.5%.
5) South Africa
Situated at the southern tip of Africa, South Africa has a population of around 55,436,360 people. Despite boasting some of the largest metropolitan areas on the continent and being widely considered as the business hub of Africa, the country still faces many of the same challenges as their African counterparts. South Africa has an internet penetration rate of 51.6% and is Africa’s 5th ranked country.
4) Morocco
The North African country of Morocco borders the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea, and is known for its Berber, Arabian and European cultural influences. The country has a population of 35,241,418 and has the 4th highest internet penetration rate in Africa with 57.3% .
3) Seychelles
An archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, off East Africa, the Seychelles is home to numerous beaches, coral reefs and nature reserves, making it a renowned holiday destination. With a population of just 97,539, the Seychelles faces significantly less resistance when it comes to achieving a high penetration rate due to its small population. This sees the Seychelles sit in as Africa’s 3rd highest country on this list with an internet penetration rate of 57,6%.
2) Mauritius
Situated just off the East African coastline, Mauritius is an island nation known for its beaches, lagoons and reefs, and just like the Seychelles, boasts a modest population of 1,281,353. With its small population, Mauritius has an internet penetration of 62,7% and has the 2nd highest internet penetration rate in Africa.
1) Kenya
East African country Kenya has a population of 48,466,928 and is regarded as one of the internet/tech hubs of Africa with the government having invested heavily in the country’s internet infrastructure. At 77.8%, Kenya has the highest internet penetration rate in Africa.
By Dean Workman
I would have thought Rwanda is up there too?