High Smartphone Costs Leave Six in Ten Nigerians Offline, Widening the Digital Divide
A staggering six out of ten Nigerians are unable to access the internet because smartphones are simply too expensive, according to a recent report by GSMA, the global telecom industry body. This significant barrier to entry is pushing 130 million Nigerians offline, marking an increase of 10 million from the previous year, despite Nigeria’s population standing at 216 million. In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) like Nigeria, mobile technology serves as the primary gateway to the internet, accounting for a dominant 84% of all broadband connections in 2024. The mobile internet has become an indispensable tool, facilitating access to vital services such as healthcare, education, financial transactions, and commerce, making this affordability gap a critical development challenge.
The Deepening Connectivity Crisis in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa
The findings underscore a deepening digital divide, where the high cost of essential smart devices isolates a large segment of the population from the benefits of online connectivity. With only about 29% of Nigerians, approximately 58 million people, currently using the internet as per GSMA’s 2024 report, the nation lags significantly behind global benchmarks. On a global scale, Nigeria’s 130 million offline users place it behind only India, with 690 million, and China, with 240 million, while being on par with Pakistan’s 130 million. This issue is particularly pronounced in Sub-Saharan Africa, a region where Nigeria mirrors the broader trend of having the world’s lowest mobile internet usage rates. A mere 25% of people across Sub-Saharan Africa utilize mobile internet, a stark contrast to regions like North Africa, where usage exceeds 75%. This regional disparity highlights the urgent need for concerted efforts to address the economic barriers preventing widespread digital inclusion.
The inability to afford smartphones means millions of Nigerians are excluded from the economic and social opportunities that mobile internet provides. Addressing this fundamental cost barrier is crucial for unlocking Nigeria’s full digital potential and fostering inclusive growth across the Sub-Saharan African region. Without affordable access to these essential devices, the promise of digital transformation for education, health, and financial empowerment remains out of reach for the majority.
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