African women close digital divide faster than men

The International Telecommunication Union’s latest data reveals that 38% of African women used the internet in 2026, a rise from 23% in 2020. This marks a faster adoption rate than their male counterparts, who reached 45% usage. While a 7% gap persists, women have narrowed the divide more quickly than men, overcoming obstacles such as cultural biases that once restricted their access to technology and financial barriers like lower incomes and higher data costs. The 15 percentage-point increase for women—compared to 14 for men—demonstrates that African women are not only catching up but surpassing men in the speed of adoption, reflecting a broader rejection of historical stereotypes that framed technology as a male domain.

Contrary to assumptions, African women now consume data more aggressively than previously recorded. They purchase larger data bundles and engage with social platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube at levels comparable to men. Through use of TikTok, Instagram, YouTube and Netflix, they are prioritising data as an essential utility rather than a luxury.

Globally, the gender gap in internet usage is narrower, with 79% of men and 74% of women online in 2026. Both groups saw equal growth, 16%, between 2020 and 2026. However, Africa’s digital market stands out due to its youth-driven adoption. Among Africans aged 15 to 24, 60% are online, compared to the continent’s overall rate of 37%. Given that 60% of Africa’s population is under 25, this demographic is a primary force behind the surge. Africa is already home to the world’s youngest population, with approximately 60% of its people under the age of 25. It’s not surprising that this young cohort is driving a rapid digital transformation and the continent’s increasing demand for high-speed internet connections.

Young Africans face persistent affordability challenges, particularly those aged 15 to 20, many of whom rely on borrowed devices rather than owning smartphones. Yet, the trend remains clear: reducing financial and logistical barriers accelerates adoption. In high-income countries, 99% of young people are connected, while Europe’s rate is 98%. Worldwide, 86% of individuals aged 15 to 24 use the internet, compared to 76% of the broader population. The contrast shows how structural economic disparities, such as the cost of smartphones and data plans, continue to shape digital access, particularly in low-income regions where device ownership remains out of reach for many.

By 2026, global internet penetration reached 76%, up from 74% in 2025, connecting 6.3 billion people, an increase of 200 million from 2025. Year-on-year growth has increased slightly to 3%, up from 2.5%. It also means that about 2 billion people are still without the internet owing to affordability. The report shows that high-income countries have 93% of the population online. In low-income countries, only 32% of the population is online.