Digital Infrastructure and Internet Access in West Africa

Internet penetration in West Africa has grown from 2% in 2008 to over 42% in 2024, though stark divides remain between urban and rural areas. Using our infrastructure quality indicators, we map the digital divide across the region and identify key investment opportunities.

Cape Verde, Ghana, and Senegal lead in connectivity metrics, while Sahelian states lag significantly. The mobile revolution has leapfrogged traditional infrastructure, with mobile cellular subscriptions reaching 80+ per 100 people in several countries.