Top 10 Countries With The Slowest Internet In Africa 2023

Africa, a continent with immense potential, has often been associated with slow technological progress. However, it’s important to note that this perception is not entirely accurate. Several African countries have made significant strides in the technology sector, offering fast and reliable internet connections. Nonetheless, there are still some countries on the continent that struggle with slow internet speeds. In this article, we will explore the African countries with the slowest internet connections, delving into the factors that contribute to this issue.

Factors Affecting Internet Connection Speed

Before we dive into the countries with slow internet speeds, it’s crucial to understand the factors that influence internet connection speed. These factors include:

1. Type of Cabling: The type of cabling used in a country plays a significant role in determining internet speed. Fiber-optic cables provide faster internet connections compared to traditional copper cables.
2. Proximity to Submarine Cables: Countries located closer to undersea fiber-optic cables enjoy faster internet connections. These cables transmit over 97% of the world’s data, making proximity a crucial factor.
3. Size of the Country: The size of a country can impact its internet connection speed. Smaller countries have the advantage of cheaper cable upgrades, making it easier for them to provide faster internet to their citizens.
4. Government Priorities: The government of a country plays a crucial role in determining the accessibility and speed of internet connections. Governments that prioritize investments in technology and infrastructure are more likely to provide faster internet to their citizens.
5. Regulatory Bodies: The regulations set by a country’s regulatory bodies can also impact internet connection speed. Throttling of internet bandwidth and government regulations can either hinder or facilitate faster internet speeds.

Now that we have a better understanding of the factors that influence internet connection speeds, let’s explore the top 10 African countries with the slowest internet connections.

The Top 10 African Countries with Slow Internet Speeds

1. Ethiopia: With an average internet speed of 1.2 Mbps, Ethiopia ranks as one of the countries with the slowest internet connections in Africa. The country has faced challenges in improving its infrastructure to provide faster internet to its citizens.
2. Guinea-Bissau: Guinea-Bissau follows closely with an average internet speed of 1.24 Mbps. The country has struggled to upgrade its internet infrastructure, resulting in slower internet connections.
3. Equatorial Guinea: With an average internet speed of 1.30 Mbps, Equatorial Guinea faces challenges in providing faster internet connections to its population. The country’s geographical location and limited infrastructure contribute to its slow internet speeds.
4. South Sudan: South Sudan has an average internet speed of 1.40 Mbps, making it one of the countries with slower internet connections in Africa. Limited infrastructure development and political instability have hindered efforts to improve internet speeds in the country.
5. Djibouti: Djibouti records an average internet speed of 1.46 Mbps. Despite being a major hub for undersea fiber-optic cables, the country still faces challenges in providing faster internet connections to its citizens.
6. Somalia: Somalia has an average internet speed of 1.59 Mbps. The country has made significant progress in improving its internet infrastructure, but its internet speeds still lag behind other African nations.
7. Sudan: Sudan records an average internet speed of 1.80 Mbps. While the country has made efforts to improve its internet infrastructure, it still falls behind in terms of internet speed compared to other African nations.
8. Gambia: With an average internet speed of 2.04 Mbps, Gambia faces challenges in providing faster internet connections to its population. Limited infrastructure development and economic constraints contribute to its slower internet speeds.
9. Sierra Leone: Sierra Leone has an average internet speed of 2.19 Mbps. The country has made progress in improving its internet infrastructure, but it still faces challenges in providing faster internet connections to its citizens.
10. Guinea: Guinea ranks as one of the countries with slower internet speeds in Africa, with an average speed of 2.39 Mbps. The country faces challenges in upgrading its internet infrastructure to provide faster connections to its population.

It’s important to note that these rankings are subject to change as countries continue to invest in improving their internet infrastructure.

Conclusion

While Africa has made significant technological advancements in recent years, there are still countries on the continent that struggle with slow internet speeds. Factors such as the type of cabling, proximity to submarine cables, country size, government priorities, and regulatory bodies all play a role in determining internet connection speed. As infrastructure development continues, it is expected that these countries will work towards improving their internet speeds and bridging the digital divide.