Mobile Internet in Africa : Accessibility Hindered by the Lack of a Widespread Price Floor

Access to mobile Internet remains a major challenge for the economic and social development of the African continent.

Despite UN recommendations to implement a price floor to make Internet access more affordable, only fifteen African countries have adopted the measure, leaving the majority of the continent facing high costs that limit connectivity and digital inclusion.

The Initiative and Its Ambitions for Africa

The United Nations, through its specialized agencies, has advocated for the establishment of a price floor for mobile Internet, set at 2% of the average monthly income.

This recommendation aims to ensure equitable access to digital technologies, considered a driver of growth and innovation.

However, implementation remains limited, with most African countries maintaining prices above this threshold—hindering the widespread adoption of the Internet across the continent.

The Consequences of High Pricing

The absence of a broadly implemented price floor has significant consequences for Africa’s digital economy.

High mobile Internet costs are a barrier for low-income populations, deepening the digital divide between urban and rural areas. This situation restricts access to online education, digital financial services, and information, thereby limiting the opportunities offered by digital transformation.

Regional Disparities in Connectivity

The gap between countries that have adopted the price floor and those lagging behind highlights the unevenness of public policies on connectivity.

Some nations—particularly in East and Southern Africa—have made notable progress, while others struggle to align their regulations with international standards.

This fragmentation slows the continent’s digital integration and hampers the development of a unified African digital market.

The widespread adoption of a price floor for mobile Internet remains a crucial goal to advance digital inclusion in Africa.

Policy harmonization and political will are key to enabling all African citizens to fully benefit from the advantages of digital technology and to participate in the continent’s economic growth.

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