Mobile internet is one of the most important drivers of digital transformation and economic development in Africa. With the increasing adoption of smartphones and the expansion of network infrastructure, more and more Africans are accessing the internet through their mobile devices. However, the speed and quality of mobile internet vary widely across the continent, depending on factors such as geography, regulation, competition, and investment.
According to the Speedtest Global Index by Ookla, a company that measures internet performance and quality, the average mobile internet speed in Africa was 23.17 Mbps in January 2024, ranking 6th among the seven regions in the world. The global average was 41.88 Mbps, while the fastest region was Europe with 54.13 Mbps.
However, some African countries have surpassed the global and regional averages, and have achieved impressive mobile internet speeds that rival those of developed countries. These countries have invested heavily in network infrastructure, especially in 4G and 5G technologies, and have created a conducive environment for innovation and competition in the telecom sector.
Here are the top 10 African countries with the fastest mobile internet speeds in 2024, based on the Speedtest Global Index:
1. South Africa: 48.11 Mbps
South Africa maintained its position as the African country with the fastest mobile internet speed, ranking 56th in the world. The country has benefited from its advanced and diversified telecom market, which has attracted many players and investors. The country has also allocated more spectrum for 4G and 5G services, and has deployed fibre optic networks to improve connectivity and coverage.
2. Botswana: 43.79 Mbps
Botswana climbed up to the second place in Africa, ranking 62nd in the world. The country has made significant progress in its mobile internet speed, thanks to its liberalized and competitive telecom sector, which has encouraged innovation and investment. The country has also adopted a national broadband strategy, which aims to provide universal and affordable access to high-speed internet by 2028.
3. Morocco: 35.51 Mbps
Morocco dropped to the third place in Africa, ranking 68th in the world. The country has witnessed a slowdown in its mobile internet speed, due to the saturation of the market and the regulatory challenges. However, the country still has a strong and dynamic telecom sector, which has invested in 4G and 5G networks, and has launched several initiatives to promote digital inclusion and literacy.
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4. Mauritius: 33.87 Mbps
Mauritius rose to the fourth place in Africa, ranking 72nd in the world. The country has improved its mobile internet speed, thanks to its ambitious and comprehensive digital strategy, which aims to make Mauritius a smart and sustainable island. The country has also upgraded its network infrastructure, and has leveraged its submarine cable connections to enhance its regional and international connectivity.
5. Côte d’Ivoire: 32.23 Mbps
Côte d’Ivoire jumped to the fifth place in Africa, ranking 75th in the world. The country has boosted its mobile internet speed, thanks to its vibrant and competitive telecom market, which has attracted many operators and investors. The country has also implemented a national broadband plan, which seeks to increase the penetration and affordability of high-speed internet by 2025.
6. Uganda: 30.19 Mbps
Uganda slipped to sixth place in Africa, ranking 80th in the world. The country has experienced a decline in its mobile internet speed, due to the social media tax and the internet shutdowns that have affected the demand and usage of online services. However, the country still has a robust and innovative telecom sector, which has invested in 4G and 5G networks, and has supported the growth of digital entrepreneurship and e-commerce.
7. Zimbabwe: 30.18 Mbps
Zimbabwe fell to the seventh place in Africa, ranking 81st in the world. The country has suffered a drop in its mobile internet speed, due to the economic and political instability that have hampered the development and performance of the telecom sector. However, the country still has a resilient and diverse telecom sector, which has invested in network expansion and modernization, and has offered affordable and accessible internet services.
8. Ethiopia: 29.70 Mbps
Ethiopia climbed up to the eighth place in Africa, ranking 84th in the world. The country has increased its mobile internet speed, thanks to the reforms and liberalization of the telecom sector, which have opened up the market to new entrants and investors. The country has also launched its first satellite, which will improve its connectivity and coverage, especially in rural and remote areas.
9. Senegal: 29.44 Mbps
Senegal remained in ninth place in Africa, ranking 85th in the world. The country has maintained its mobile internet speed, thanks to its mature and competitive telecom market, which has fostered innovation and investment. The country has also adopted a digital strategy, which aims to transform Senegal into a regional hub for digital services and solutions.
10. Nigeria: 26.74 Mbps
Nigeria entered the top 10 in Africa, ranking 93rd in the world. The country has improved its mobile internet speed, thanks to its large and dynamic telecom market, which has witnessed a surge in demand and usage of online services. The country has also increased its network capacity and quality, and has launched several initiatives to promote digital inclusion and empowerment.
These are the top 10 African countries with the fastest mobile internet speeds in 2024, according to the Speedtest Global Index. These countries have demonstrated their commitment and capability to enhance their digital infrastructure and services, and to leverage the potential of the internet for their social and economic development. However, there is still room for improvement and innovation, as the continent as a whole lags behind the global and regional averages, and faces many challenges and opportunities in the digital era.
