While internet access has been a critical driver of growth and innovation in the flourishing tech ecosystem in Africa, the cost of access remains one of the major barriers to progress in most African countries, especially in rural areas. This, therefore, calls for affordable broadband as an important guarantee that technology benefits reach every nook and corner of the continent to empower young entrepreneurs, startups, and businesses to thrive.
This is because affordable broadband internet can transform economies by opening up access to vital resources, education, and global networks. With more than 50 percent of the populations of many African nations under age 25, the internet offers an unparalleled opportunity for social and economic development.
Considering that, many African countries have done well to ensure that their people can access broadband at a relatively cheap cost. The Global Broadband Pricing League Table 2024 report by Cable.co.uk highlights the top 10 most affordable broadband internet countries in Africa. Below, we detail the countries and how they rank globally.
1. Sudan – $2.40 per month
Global rank: 1st
Not just in Africa, but Sudan is the cheapest globally, at an average of $2.40 per month for broadband internet. Despite many challenges, Sudan’s government has been working toward, and the telecom operators too have taken steps to cut internet prices for the population.
2. Egypt – $8.31 per month
Global rank: 5th
Egypt, for example, is famous for its blossoming technology hubs and digital startups, ranking 2nd in Africa and 5th in the world. With an average price of $8.31, relatively cheap internet pricing by Egyptian standards is highly instrumental in the building up of its tech and business ecosystem.
3. Zimbabwe – US$9.64 per month
Global rank: 11th
The country continues to improve its digital infrastructure, making it increasingly easy for its people and businesses to connect with affordable broadband for $9.64 a month. Today, Zimbabwe ranks 3rd in Africa, having made considerable contributions to its local tech and startup scene.
4. Republic of Congo – $12.62/month
Global rank: 20th
With an average price of $12.62 a month, the Republic of Congo places 4th in Africa. Affordable internet is important in terms of developing its tech sector and, overall, improving the situation with digital services, especially in towns and cities.
5. Tunisia – $15.01 per month
Global rank: 23rd
Tunisia leads the way in the African digital space. It provides broadband at a relatively affordable $15.01 per month. Its affordable internet provides for a blooming startup ecosystem that maintains innovation in all industries.
6. Eswatini – $15.90 per month
Global rank: 29th
The inexpensive broadband at $15.90 a month offers the embryonic tech community with a route to the global market for innovation and digital business enterprise.
7. Ethiopia – $18.46 per month
Global rank: 40th
Ethiopia is fast developing in digital infrastructure. The nation has broadband internet for $18.46 a month. Inexpensive broadband is an important factor in promoting digital education and innovation, essential as Ethiopian authorities start investing heavily in the tech sector.
8. Libya – $19.07 per month
Global rank: 42nd
Despite political setbacks, Libya can boast of somewhat cheap broadband that goes for $19.07 a month and has thus enabled the development of its tech sector, opening up opportunities for the country’s digital transformation.
9. Algeria – $20.80 per month
Global rank: 47th
Algeria’s internet services are getting increasingly affordable, with the broadband going for $20.80 a month. This is quite positive in the context of the country with a growing digital economy.
10. Nigeria – $21.89 per month
Global rank: 51st
Nigeria, the largest economy in Africa, is selling broadband at $21.89 per month. Affordable internet has been one of the driving elements in Nigeria’s over-performing tech ecosystem—a home to countless numbers of startups and entrepreneurs.
The Significance of Affordable Broadband in Africa
Affordable access to broadband internet is vitally important for driving the digital economy in Africa. The population of this continent is largely young and tech-savvy, while the internet provides channels for education, entrepreneurship, and global markets. The cheaper the internet facilities, the more it fosters the growth of SMEs, startups, and even the informal sectors to be more competitive in the global space.
It includes Sudan, Egypt, and Zimbabwe in taking the lead to ensure that its citizens have access to the internet at cheap prices to spur economic growth and social transformation. With increasing internet affordability across Africa, the continent seems set to further its journey toward becoming one of the global powerhouses for technology.
Conclusion
Affordable broadband internet changes the game for Africa. The top 10 countries in Africa that have the most affordable broadband in 2024 are laying the bedrock for a tech revolution—a people-empowering, economy-transforming movement. As more and more African nations move to make access to the internet more affordable, the future of digital growth and innovation across the continent is shining bright.
