In Summary
- Mobile data remains the major way of reaching the Internet for Africans. Most users rely on smartphones with data bundles, shaping how people consume news, entertainment, and services.
- Countries with the most internet users are also ranked in terms of technical e-commerce activity and youth-operated social media engagement. These nations are becoming the major digital markets of Africa.
- Nigeria has 107 million users, followed by Egypt (96.3 million) and South Africa (50.8 million). Jointly, the Top 10 countries are responsible for the majority of Africa’s 550+ million internet users this year.
Deep Dive!
More than half a billion Africans are now online, and the numbers are still climbing. In 2025, the use of the Internet is no longer a luxury reserved for the capital cities; It is part of everyday life in most parts of the continent. But some countries are far ahead of others. More than 100 million people are connected in Nigeria alone, while Egypt is not far behind. These are not just numbers – they reflect that the digital heartbeat of the continent is the strongest. According to the February 2025 data, here are 10 African nations with the most internet users this year.
10. Tanzania
Tanzania’s internet user base reached 20.2 million in February 2025, mainly through the adoption of smartphones and more affordable mobile data bundles from providers such as Vodacom and Tigo. In urban centers such as Dar es Salaam and Arusha, youth content creation on TikTok and YouTube is increasing. The Government’s Digital Tanzania Project (supported by the World Bank) is installing more than 7,500 km of fiber-optic cable to connect remote schools, health centers, and businesses, which prioritize long-term rural access.
9. Ghana
Ghana had 24.3 million Internet users in February 2025, all thanks to the growing technical culture in circles and Kumasi, expanding mobile money networks, and improving 4G coverage. MTN Ghana dominates the data market, which offers budget-friendly data plans that enable large-scale adoption. The government’s digital Ghana Agenda has progressed in cloud services through partnership with Google, while local affected and freelancers are taking advantage of Instagram and X to build online businesses.
8. Kenya
Kenya’s 27.4 million users are one of the most mature digital markets in Africa. M-Pesa, the mobile money platform launched in 2007, still plays a central role in daily transactions and rural businesses. Nairobi’s Innovation Hub – such as Ihub and Conza Technopolis – hosts dozens of Fintech, Healthtech, and Agritech Startups. Internet-based services like Safaricom’s Digifarm now help small farmers to reach loans, advice, and buyers through their phones.
7. Ethiopia
Ethiopia’s online population rose to 28.6 million in early 2025, marking one of the most dramatic digital jumps on the continent. Following decades of telecom monopoly under Ethio Telecom, the region opened with the launch of Safaricom Ethiopia in 2022, increased competition, and reduced data prices. In cities such as Addis Ababa and Hawasa, more youth now use the Internet through budget smartphones, while the government forwards digital literacy and e-learning platforms to accelerate national connectivity.
6. Congo (DRC)
The Democratic Republic of Congo recorded 34 million internet users in 2025, making mobile phones a widely available digital lifeline in the country in the absence of a broad fixed broadband. The creative view of Kinshasa – especially in music and fashion – has been migrated online with platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, and Boomplay. Youth population fuel is demanding for mobile content, and telecommunications providers such as Orange and Airtel are expanding 4G networks in underserved areas like Kivu and Vachai.
5. Morocco
Morocco has 35.3 million Internet users, supported by a reliable telecommunications infrastructure and strong urban connectivity. Casablanca and Rabat serve as a digital hub for North Africa, hosting many startups and online media firms. Morocco leads in e-government adoption and digitization of over 600 services, including tax, justice, and business registration. Platforms like Chikaya.ma, where citizens complain online, show how internet use is embedded in everyday civic life.
4. Algeria
Algeria has 36.2 million internet users, with the most access to the web via smartphones. The youth-saturated population spends most of its time on platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, making a strong demand for local content. In Algiers and Oran, online gaming cafes and tech bootcamps have increased, while 4G coverage continues by Djezzy and Ooredoo. E -learning has also gained traction, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic.
3. South Africa
South Africa has 50.8 million Internet users and is one of the most advanced digital ecosystems on the continent. Unlike many African countries, it has fixed broadband connections, especially in Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Pretoria. Major e-commerce platforms such as Takealot and online banking apps from Standard Bank and FNB are widely used. High-profile influencers, YouTubers, and podcasters contribute to a prosperous digital creator economy.
2. Egypt
Egypt has 96.3 million Internet users, which is powered by a densely populated Cairo, high mobile penetration, and a broad telecom infrastructure. The country is at the top of Africa in social media engagement, with major use of Facebook and WhatsApp. Government initiatives like “Digital Egypt” are to modernize public services, and the ICT sector now contributes more than 4% to the national GDP. Online education, streaming, and freelancing are widespread among Egyptian youth.
1. Nigeria
Nigeria tops the chart with 107 million internet users in 2025. Lagos is the country’s main digital heartbeat, and it’s home to startups like Flutterwave, Paystack, and Piggyvest. The large-scale young population of the country fuels one of the world’s most active social media communities, with millions of people using Instagram, X, TikTok, and YouTube Daily. Influencer marketing, WhatsApp business tools, and remote tech jobs are helping to shape the internet economy of Nigeria. Mobile data is the primary means of access, and the competition between MTN, Airtel, and Glo has helped reduce prices.
