List of African Nations with Least Internet Users in 2025

In the vast and diverse continent of Africa, the digital landscape presents a complex tapestry of progress and obstacles. While some countries are making strides in embracing technology, others face significant hurdles in getting online.

Take Senegal, for instance, with a population of over 17 million people. The country boasts 11.3 million internet users, yet rural communities struggle with weak signals and high costs. Internet use in Senegal is concentrated mainly in the major cities of Dakar and St. Louis, leaving many rural areas without the digital connection.

Similarly, in Rwanda, only 4.93 million people, less than half the population, are online. The capital city, Kigali, has seen digital growth, but rural areas lag behind significantly.

Burkina Faso, plagued by years of insecurity and rebellious attacks, has seen telecom expansion crippled in the north and east of the country. As a result, the country has only 5.75 million internet users, less than one-third of the population.

In contrast, Zambia, with around 7.13 million Internet users, has a more urban-centric internet usage, with activities like streaming and online education limited by the cost of internet usage, especially in rural areas where access falls rapidly and coverage is poor.

Not all stories are grim, however. Africa's digital future holds promise with government investments in technology. Countries like Tunisia, with over 10.5 million internet users out of more than 12 million people, are making strides in digital growth.

However, challenges persist. In countries like Libya, many rural and desert communities are completely offline. Natural disasters like Cyclone Idai have damaged infrastructure in Mozambique, slowing down recovery efforts.

Moreover, in countries like Mali, armed groups often damage communication lines, leaving many areas without cell towers. Unemployment, economic stress, and new digital taxes have made internet access difficult in Tunisia.

Despite these challenges, Africa's digital landscape continues to evolve. Central African countries had the lowest internet user penetration in Africa in 2025, with only about 8% of the population using social media or internet services. Yet, this number is significantly higher than North Africa (56%) and South Africa (45%) just a few years ago.

As Africa continues to navigate its digital journey, the hope is that progress will be made in bridging the digital divide and ensuring that all its citizens have access to the opportunities the internet offers.