Internet usage among African women has increased from 23 per cent in 2020 to 38 per cent in 2026, indicating a gradual narrowing of the gender digital divide across the continent, according to a new report by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
The report, titled Measuring Digital Development: Facts and Figures 2026, shows that 45 per cent of African men now use the internet, compared with 38 per cent of women, leaving a seven-percentage-point gap between both groups.
The figures represent a 15-percentage-point increase in internet adoption among women over six years, slightly higher than the 14-percentage-point growth recorded among men during the same period.
Despite the improvement, millions of African women remain offline due to economic and social barriers, including the high cost of smartphones, mobile data and limited financial independence.
In several parts of sub-Saharan Africa, lower average incomes and limited financial independence make it difficult for women to purchase internet-enabled devices and maintain regular data subscriptions.
The cost of smartphones and mobile internet services can also take up a significant share of household budgets, restricting access to online platforms and digital opportunities.
The figures come amid growing efforts across the continent to expand digital inclusion and ensure that more women can participate in online education, financial services, entrepreneurship and other economic activities.
Globally, the gender gap is narrower, with 79 per cent of men using the internet compared with 74 per cent of women.
Internet usage among both men and women worldwide increased by 16 percentage points between 2020 and 2026, according to the report.
The ITU report also identifies young people as a major driver of internet adoption across Africa, with 60 per cent of those aged between 15 and 24 using the internet, compared with 37 per cent of the population outside that age group.
The 23-percentage-point difference reflects the growing role of younger Africans in the continent’s digital expansion.
However, access to smartphones and affordable data remains a challenge for many young people, particularly adolescents who cannot afford personal devices.
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Some young people between the ages of 15 and 20 rely on borrowing phones from relatives or friends to access the internet rather than owning devices themselves.
The trend highlights the difference between network availability and meaningful internet access, as individuals may live in areas with connectivity but lack the devices or financial resources to go online.
Globally, 86 per cent of people aged 15 to 24 use the internet, compared with 76 per cent of the rest of the population.
High-income countries record the highest youth internet adoption at 99 per cent, while Europe leads among global regions with 98 per cent.
The ITU report estimates that 76 per cent of the world’s population, representing approximately 6.3 billion people, now use the internet, compared with 74 per cent or 6.1 billion in 2025.
Global internet adoption grew by three per cent year-on-year in 2026, up from 2.5 per cent recorded in the previous period.
Despite the increase, approximately two billion people remain without internet access, with affordability continuing to be a major barrier.
The divide is particularly wide between wealthy and poorer economies. While 93 per cent of people in high-income countries use the internet, only 32 per cent of those in low-income countries are connected.
The figures highlight the need for more investment in affordable connectivity, digital devices and skills to ensure that women, young people and economically disadvantaged communities are not left behind as digital services expand.
About the Author
Cecilia Attah is a tech analyst with a degree from Benue State University. She covers tech news and startups at TechRegard with a focus on how technology is transforming Africa and shaping the global landscape.
