Internet usage across the African continent is on a steady climb. Though the climb may be gradual, the progress is undeniable. Africa, home to 1.1 billion people or 16.2 percent of the world’s population, now comprises 9.3 percent of the global internet user base. Internet penetration on the continent has reached 28.7 percent.
In a world where half of the internet population is connected via Facebook, the question arises: How many Facebook users are in Africa? Reports indicate that there are 146.6 million Facebook users across the continent, with the majority residing in Nigeria. This affection for Facebook and associated services is evidenced by a recent Geopoll survey which found that three of the most popular apps in Nigeria—Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp—are all owned by Facebook. The survey results were based on responses from 65 percent of all participants.
Facebook’s 2016 third quarter earnings report revealed a total of 1.79 billion monthly active users globally, with a staggering 1.66 billion connecting via mobile devices. The African continent produces 146 million of these users, translating to about 8 percent of total Facebook accounts. This considerable user base may be the reason behind Facebook’s renewed attention to the continent, spurred on by Mark Zuckerberg’s visit and announcements of partnerships and services throughout Africa.
This upward trend in internet users comes alongside an expected rise in smartphone usage across Africa, which is expected to surpass 350 million units this year. However, this growth is threatened by economic challenges, worsening as the US dollar strengthens against major world currencies. Adding onto these economic challenges is a slowly growing middle class grappling with a lack of basic infrastructure, such as power, which directly impacts the cost of internet services across the continent.
Still skeptical about the increasing number of Africans going digital? Take a look at the two charts below from Internet World Stats, measuring internet usage over a four-year period from June 2012 to June 2016.
[Insert Images]
Nigeria, with its sizeable population and advancements in telecommunications, tops the chart for both measurement years. On closer inspection, the data shows some shifts and growth. For instance, Morocco slipped from third to fifth position, while Kenya climbed from fourth to third. Interestingly, Tunisia fell off the top ten completely, replaced by Ghana which previously didn’t make the cut in 2012 and now sits at number ninth.
In terms of numerical growth, Nigeria saw an increase from 48.4 million to 97.2 million connected individuals in a four-year span. Similarly, Kenya registered a significant surge, connecting 19.9 million people to reach a total of 31.9 million internet users. Almost all the enlisted countries experienced over 50 percent growth in new connections during this four-year period, making the region one of the fastest-growing globally.
However, when assessing the numbers relative to the total population, Kenya appears the most impressive. With a 2016 total population of 47 million and 31.9 million of them being internet users, the East African nation holds significant promise. Yet, quality of service is equally essential, and unfortunately, broadband access remains low in Africa. Still in line with growth, Nigeria’s strategic policy aims to connect 30 percent of its population to broadband services by 2018.
For a more in-depth look, browse through the additional information provided by World Internet Stats below:
[Insert Table]