Telecom

African Women’s Internet Usage Increases, but Gender Divide Remains Significant

African Women’s Internet Usage Increases, but Gender Divide Remains Significant
Monday, 28 October 2024 18:14

The analysis of ITU data over the past five years reveals an increase in Internet usage among women in Africa. However, the continent still needs to work towards achieving digital parity between men and women.

Since 2019, the number of women using the internet in Africa has been steadily rising. According to the "Facts and Figures 2023" report by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), 32% of women in Africa are now internet users. Although this is a slight decrease from 34% in 2022, data analyzed by the Ecofin Agency shows a general trend of increased internet adoption among women over the years.

In 2019, only 22.6% of women used the internet. This number dipped to 20% in 2020 before gradually climbing to 34% by 2022. The following table shows the changes in internet usage rates among women in Africa:

Year  
Internet Usage Rate by Women (%)
2019
22.6
2020
20
2021
24
2022
34
2013
32

While the ITU does not explain the drop from 2022 to 2023, it reflects a wider trend seen across Africa. Overall internet usage in Africa fell from 40% in 2022 to 37% in 2023. This decline could be linked to internet outages in some countries or accessibility issues in others.

The ITU report highlights that Africa still has work to do to achieve equal internet access between men and women. Women make up 50.05% of Africa's population but only 32% of them use the internet, compared to 42% of men. Several barriers contribute to this gap, including financial accessibility, especially regarding smartphones with internet access.

According to the "Mobile Gender Gap Report 2023" by GSMA, women in sub-Saharan Africa are 13% less likely than men to own a mobile phone, and the gap widens to 28% for smartphones. Moreover, women who do own mobile phones often do not fully utilize internet services. In sub-Saharan Africa, women spend 32% less on mobile services compared to men. This disparity is linked to lower employment rates, income levels, and financial independence among women.

Better connectivity can help women access educational, professional, medical, and social resources more easily. Social media can provide a supportive space for women to share experiences, even in remote areas. However, specific actions are necessary to improve access.

GSMA recommends that mobile operators offer low-cost smartphones through partnerships and facilitate purchases with microloans or installment payments. It also urges governments to implement policies that reduce the costs of phones and data, which would particularly benefit women.

In addition, the GSMA suggests creating grant programs aimed at disadvantaged women and incorporating basic digital skills into school curriculums. Offering training tailored to women’s needs and preferences can further enhance their digital inclusion.

On the same topic
• Mozambican government and Huawei considering the construction of a local mobile phone factory catered to rural needs • Special features for rural...
• Djibouti adopts new digital code to accelerate digital transformation, with focus on data protection, cybersecurity, and e-commerce. • The move aligns...
This successful bond sale not only reinforces AXIAN Telecom’s financial strength but also signals growing investor confidence in African digital...
• Experts at Cyber Africa Forum 2025 stress consumer education to fight cyber threats• Social engineering scams, phishing, and money mule schemes are...
Most Read
01

• Maritime sector faces renewed risks amid military tensions in the Middle East• Blockade fears at S...

Israel-Iran conflict raises new threats for global shipping and oil trade
02

Lebara Group is now bringing its affordable and reliable mobile services to Africa, starting with Ni...

Telecoms: Lebara Enters Nigerian Market with Strong Competitive Ambitions
03

• Google unveils Veo 3, its latest AI tool for ultra-realistic video generation• Experts warn deepfa...

Deepfake Threat Becomes Alarming in Africa as AI Advances Faster Than Laws
04

In a West African financial landscape marked by tighter regulation of the fintech sector, digital fi...

In Five Years, Francophone Africa Will be A Major Force in African Tech –Régis Bamba
05

• Gates Foundation commits $1.6 billion over five years to Gavi.• Bill Gates warns of rising ch...

Gates Foundation Pledges $1.6 Billion to Gavi to Boost Global Child Vaccination
Enter your email to receive our newsletter

Ecofin Agency provides daily coverage of nine key African economic sectors: public management, finance, telecoms, agribusiness, mining, energy, transport, communication, and education.
It also designs and manages specialized media, both online and print, for African institutions and publishers.

SALES & ADVERTISING

Benjamin FLAUX
bf@agenceecofin.com 
Téls: +41 22 301 96 11 
Mob: +41 78 699 13 72
Média kit : Download

EDITORIAL
redaction@agenceecofin.com

More information
Team
Publisher

ECOFIN AGENCY

Mediamania Sarl
Rue du Léman, 6
1201 Geneva
Switzerland

 

Ecofin Agency is a sector-focused economic news agency, founded in December 2010. Its web platform was launched in June 2011. ©Mediamania.

 
 

Please publish modules in offcanvas position.