As leaders in technology and policy prepare to convene tomorrow (January 21) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia for the Internet Society’s 2025 Internet Development Conference, new data released by Internet Society today underscores Africa’s positive strides in strengthening its digital infrastructure. The data reveals encouraging progress in bolstering Africa’s Internet resilience.
According to the Internet Society’s Pulse Internet Resilience Index, which tracks key metrics related to infrastructure, performance, security, and market readiness, Africa’s overall Internet resilience score now stands at 34%, reflecting a 1 percentage point increase between 2022 and 2023 – the latest data available. This means more reliable access to essential online services like education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for millions across the continent.
Western Africa and Middle Africa demonstrated the most significant regional improvements, with each region’s overall resilience scores increasing by 2 points. East Africa also continues to strengthen, with gains spreading across multiple countries, including Ethiopia.
Zambia secured an impressive 6-point increase, followed closely by Kenya, which rose 5 points. Uganda, Comoros, Madagascar, and Mozambique each advanced by 4 points, marking substantial progress. Other countries, including Ethiopia, Eritrea, Djibouti, Mauritius, and Tanzania, also showed progress with 3-point increases.
See also: Moses Watasa: Government will reduce the cost of internet by 50% by the end of January 2025
These improvements are driven by increased investment in Internet infrastructure, the expansion of mobile networks, and growing collaboration among governments, technology providers, and local communities. Since 2020, the Internet Society has helped establish and expand 16 Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) in Africa. IXPs are Internet intersections, where networks connect locally to exchange traffic and help make the Internet faster and more affordable.
This positive trend comes as stakeholders gather to address the region’s connectivity challenges, enhance regional cooperation, and foster the growth of a robust Internet economy. This year’s Internet Development Conference focuses on strengthening Internet infrastructure and advancing regulatory frameworks within Africa’s Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) member states: Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, and Uganda.
“In a remarkable year for digital development, Africa is seeing steady progress toward connectivity, with notable advances in Internet resilience and infrastructure across the continent,” Dawit Bekele, Regional Vice President for Africa at the Internet Society said in a press statement. “While some challenges remain, nations across the continent are leading the charge in creating accessible, resilient Internet networks which are critical to business and society.”
The Internet Development Conference will call for continued investment and collaboration to ensure that all Africans can benefit from a reliable and resilient Internet.
See also: Starlink vs Traditional ISPs: The African Price Disruption