Research ICT Africa (RIA) conducts quarterly assessments of broadband and voice/SMS basket prices to monitor the most affordable products available across African markets. The latest data offers valuable insights for consumers seeking the lowest-priced mobile data. RIA’s flagship initiative, After Access, emphasises that the cost of mobile data and internet-enabled devices remains a major barrier to getting online. This data provides valuable insights to the public on where to find the lowest-priced mobile data. For instance, RIA’s flagship initiative, After Access, highlights that mobile data costs, along with the price of internet-enabled devices, are key barriers preventing people from getting online.
Africa holds the largest percentage of unconnected individuals. To foster sustainable development and keep up with the growing reliance on the internet, it is crucial to bring as many people online as possible. Raising awareness of mobile data prices across operators is a crucial step toward making connectivity more affordable, particularly in low-income countries, and supports the broader aims of the Sustainable Development Goals.
This report presents a summary of the cost of 1GB monthly data baskets, as advertised by mobile network operators in Q12025. While prices are initially collected in local currency, they have been converted to USD for comparison using the average exchange rate for the quarter. The cost of mobile data across African countries exhibits significant disparities, influenced by factors such as infrastructure development, market competition, and economic conditions. This analysis focuses on the average price of a 1GB data basket, converted into USD, highlighting the ten countries with the most affordable rates, and the ten with the highest costs.
The map below shows a stark contrast in the cost of mobile data across African countries, with Ethiopia offering the cheapest 1GB monthly basket at just $0.47 (60 Ethiopian Birr (ETB), an increase from ETB50 in the last quarter). Ethio Telecom offers this through their Prepaid data Packages. The prices of this quarter look cheaper in comparative terms because the ETB has depreciated in value relative to the US dollar. Seychelles presents the highest cost at $16.66 — which gives a gap of over 35 times between the cheapest and most expensive markets.
Generally, West African and East African countries dominate the top ranks for affordable data, with Ethiopia ($0.47), Mauritania (0.51), Ghana ($0.59), Nigeria ($0.66), Rwanda ($0.72) and Madagascar ($0.86) all offering data for under $1.00 per GB, likely reflecting both aggressive competition among telecom providers and government efforts to improve digital access. On the other hand, island nations like Seychelles, and São Tomé and Principe ($8.62), and conflict-affected countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) ($10) and the Central African Republic ($8.02), are among the most expensive, suggesting that geographic isolation, limited infrastructure, and instability contribute heavily to high costs.
Interestingly, even countries considered relatively developed in Africa, such as South Africa and Morocco, fall outside the lowest price bracket, highlighting that national wealth does not always correlate directly with lower data prices. Overall, the data underscores significant regional disparities in digital affordability, with clear implications for internet access, economic inclusion, and digital development strategies across the continent.
The stark contrast in data pricing across African countries underscores the digital divide affecting the continent. Affordable data in countries like Ethiopia, Mauritania, Nigeria, Rwanda, Madagascar and Ghana facilitates greater internet penetration, promoting economic growth and access to information. In contrast, exorbitant data costs in countries such as Seychelles, DRC, São Tomé and Principe hinder digital inclusion and socioeconomic development. Addressing these disparities requires targeted investments in telecommunications infrastructure, regulatory reforms to encourage competition, and policies to reduce service providers’ operational costs.
Understanding these dynamics is crucial for stakeholders aiming to bridge the digital divide and foster inclusive growth across Africa. Research ICT Africa (RIA) produces evidence-based research to support policies and regulations that foster a competitive environment. Our findings indicate that numerous smaller players have exited the market, leaving dominant operators to influence data pricing trends. Regulators play a vital role in ensuring that service providers offer affordable internet access, enabling more people to come online. RIA’s quarterly data pricing insights are invaluable for regulators across Africa, helping them shape policies that promote both competition and affordability.
