Kenya, Algeria… eight other African countries hit hardest by costly internet shutdowns

BUSINESS DAY

Internet shutdowns in Sub-Saharan Africa caused $1.56 billion in economic losses in 2024, affecting 111.2 million people. The region experienced 32,938 hours of disruption, part of a global total of 88,788 hours, the highest ever recorded, according to Top10VPN.

Social media platforms were heavily targeted, with X enduring 20,322 hours of downtime. Globally, 167 major outages across 28 countries cost $7.69 billion, despite a 15.8% drop in financial losses compared to 2023.

These disruptions, often government-imposed, impact businesses, communication, and access to essential services, underscoring the need for sustained internet access to promote economic growth and minimise social harm.

Here are 10 African countries hit hardest by costly internet shutdowns

1. Sudan

Sudan recorded the highest cost of internet shutdowns in Africa, amounting to $1.12 billion. The shutdowns lasted for 12,707 hours, disrupting the lives of 23.4 million internet users. This placed Sudan third globally in terms of the financial impact of internet disruptions.

2. Ethiopia

Ethiopia experienced a total cost of $211.2 million from internet shutdowns that lasted 4,680 hours. The disruptions affected 3.3 million users, making it the eighth most expensive globally.

3. Kenya

Kenya faced economic losses of $75 million due to internet shutdowns. The country endured 511 hours of downtime, affecting 22.7 million users. Kenya ranked 12th globally in the financial impact of these disruptions.

4. Algeria

Algeria recorded internet shutdown costs of $61.1 million over 30 hours. The shutdowns disrupted access for 33.5 million internet users, placing the country 13th globally.

5. Guinea

Guinea experienced significant losses of $60.9 million from shutdowns that lasted 7,632 hours. The disruptions affected 4.9 million internet users, ranking 14th globally.

6. Mauritania

Mauritania incurred $45.1 million in costs due to 541 hours of internet shutdowns. These disruptions affected 2.2 million users and placed the country 16th globally.

7. Senegal

Senegal experienced losses of $15.4 million from internet shutdowns lasting 1,219 hours. This affected 8 million users, ranking the country 19th globally.

8. Mozambique

Mozambique recorded a financial impact of $14.6 million from 402 hours of internet disruptions. The shutdowns affected 8 million internet users, placing Mozambique 20th globally.

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