The State of Broadband in Africa

African countries are generally experiencing strong growth in ICTs, albeit with lower average income levels and slower adoption rates than some other regions. Africa’s vast and varied geography makes the roll-out of terrestrial communication infrastructure to remote areas more challenging.

The third report in the Broadband Commission’s State of Broadband 2025 focuses on sub-Saharan Africa, home to 44 ITU Member States, including least developed, landlocked, and small island developing countries. It highlights the region’s rapid mobile broadband growth, the expansion of submarine cables and IXPs, and the emergence of satellite connectivity to mobile handsets.

Africa is also home to one-third of the global youth population, bringing energy, hope, and aspirations that other continents struggle to match. Investments in digital technologies are growing, with opportunities for technological leapfrogging in areas such as AI, agriculture, and creative industries.

Despite this progress, challenges persist in terms of affordability, quality of service, and the digital gender divide. The report underscores the need for robust digital policies, targeted initiatives in digital identity and skills, and cross-sector collaboration to drive inclusive and universal meaningful connectivity.