Despite significant growth in mobile internet coverage, with 65% of the population of sub-Saharan Africa having access to 4G connectivity in 2022 compared to just 19% in 2017, millions of Africans still struggle to leverage the full power and potential of the internet.
This signals not just an issue of access but one of usage, marking the next frontier for digital transformation across the SADC region, writes Dr Sunil Piyarlall, executive network architecture and modelling at Openserve.
While connectivity continues to expand, the gap between those who can access the internet and those who can actually use it meaningfully is growing. This disconnect robs communities of the transformative power of digital inclusion, limiting access to jobs, education, information, healthcare and other essential government services.
To truly bridge the digital divide, SADC stakeholders must consider not just who is online, but also how and why they use or don’t use the internet.
Two gaps, one challenge: Access vs usage
According to GSMA, people remain digitally excluded for one of two reasons. They either live in areas with no internet coverage (the access gap), or they live in areas with coverage but still do not use mobile internet (the usage gap).
The access gap stems from a lack of physical infrastructure or service availability, often in remote or underdeveloped regions.
The usage gap exists where people technically have access but face barriers such as affordability, limited digital skills or device availability.
This distinction points to a deeper, multi-dimensional challenge in Africa’s digital ecosystem. While infrastructure continues to improve, true digital inclusion lags behind.
The growth is there but inclusion isn’t guaranteed
The data suggests progress on the infrastructure front. In 2023, 4G accounted for 31% of mobile connections in Africa and is projected to surpass 3G by 2027, ultimately comprising 50% of all mobile connections by 2030.
Meanwhile, 5G is beginning to gain ground. It accounted for just 1.2% of connections in 2023 but is projected to reach 17% by 2030, with Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa expected to lead the continent in 5G adoption.
Smartphone penetration is also rising steadily. In 2023, smartphones made up 51% of mobile internet connections, and that figure is expected to reach 81% by the end of the decade. However, as highlighted at the SATA Conference, rising device use doesn’t automatically translate into effective connectivity. The barriers holding back usage, especially in rural areas, must be urgently addressed.
Urban versus rural: A digital divide within a divide
In an increasingly digital world, access to reliable technology is essential not just for opportunity but for basic participation in society. Yet, over one million South Africans remain unconnected, with the majority living in rural and underserved areas.
Rural communities face a unique mix of challenges. These include unreliable electricity supply, dispersed populations that make infrastructure investments less profitable, and low levels of digital literacy, particularly among older residents. As a result, many are effectively excluded from a blossoming digital economy.
If telecommunications infrastructure and digital literacy initiatives continue to focus primarily on urban centres, the region risks deepening socio-economic inequalities. Rural inclusion is not optional. It is a necessity for sustainable, region-wide progress.
Affordability: A persistent barrier
Another central theme highlighted during the SATA Conference was affordability. For many in the SADC region, data and smart devices remain financially out of reach. According to Global Citizen, in 2022, 7,5-million low-income South Africans were paying up to 80-times more for data than wealthier users.
Access to affordable, quality devices is also a major hurdle. While smartphones remain the device of choice for most users, cheaper models often lack the capacity needed for productive use. During the Covid-19 pandemic, university students without laptops were forced to rely on mobile phones to download large academic files, only to find themselves hampered by limited storage and processing power.
To bridge this gap, public and private stakeholders need to work together to implement policies that substantially lower costs and expand access to smart devices for all citizens.
Charging ahead together
The road ahead requires more than investment in infrastructure. It demands collaborative, cross-sector solutions. Governments, telecom providers, NGOs and communities must work together to develop comprehensive strategies for digital inclusion. These must focus on stronger infrastructure, more accessible devices, improved digital skills and progressive policy frameworks.
Public-private partnerships will be crucial to this effort. Together, these stakeholders can foster a digital environment that supports innovation, education, commerce and meaningful civic participation.
As sponsor and host of the 45th SATA Conference, Openserve reaffirmed its commitment to connecting the disconnected. Through investments in terrestrial fibre networks and wholesale internet services, Openserve is helping lay the foundation for South Africa’s and the region’s digital future. These efforts aim to empower individuals, businesses and entire communities to thrive in an increasingly connected world.
If the region is to charge ahead toward inclusive digital transformation, closing the usage gap must become its top priority. Access is only the beginning.