Leading African Nations by Mobile Phone Possession and Utilization: A Ranking

In the dynamic landscape of Africa, mobile connectivity is rapidly transforming the continent. Here's a snapshot of the mobile sector in five countries: South Africa, Kenya, Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Morocco.

South Africa stands out with over 118 million mobile network connections, a penetration rate of 195%. This high penetration is largely due to the widespread use of multiple SIM cards. As mobile networks in South Africa have reached maturity, they are now offering 4G to most users and starting to add 5G technology. By 2025, South Africa is expected to have the highest number of active SIM cards in Africa with 124 million active SIM cards, nearly double its population.

In Kenya, mobile connectivity is playing a significant role in driving the need for more online services and applications, particularly in cities. Kenya has a mobile penetration rate of over 118%, with roughly 66 million mobile connections. The country is famous for mobile money, with M-Pesa being a prime example. Many Kenyans use their phones for fintech, health, and education.

Ethiopia's mobile sector has been expanding rapidly after a long period of limited access. By early 2024, it is estimated that over 77 million Ethiopians will be using mobile phones, resulting in a mobile penetration rate of about 60%.

Nigeria, Africa's most populous nation, has an 85% mobile penetration rate, with over 200 million Nigerians having connections via mobile devices. By 2025, an estimated 140 million Nigerians will have smartphones.

Lastly, Morocco's digital development encourages mobile connectivity in both cities and rural regions. Over 95% of adults in Morocco own mobile phones, leading to a mobile penetration rate above 137%.

In conclusion, mobile connectivity is a driving force in Africa's digital transformation. Countries like South Africa, Kenya, Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Morocco are leading the way, demonstrating the potential for mobile technology to revolutionise various sectors, from fintech to health and education.