Amanze Chinonye
Zimbabwe has emerged as the country with the most expensive mobile data costs in Africa, according to a new survey by global broadband pricing firm Cable.co.uk, highlighting stark disparities in internet affordability across the continent, Prime Business Africa reports.
The report, which compares the average price of 1GB of mobile data across African countries, shows that Zimbabwean consumers pay as much as $43.75 per gigabyte, making it the highest on the continent by a wide margin. South Sudan follows at $23.70, while the Central African Republic ranks third most expensive at $10.90.
At the other end of the scale, Nigeria ranks among the most affordable countries, with 1GB of mobile data costing an average of $0.39, slightly higher than Malawi’s $0.38, the lowest recorded price. Ghana also features among the cheapest, with data priced at $0.40 per gigabyte.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelREAD ALSO : Retail Trading Data Show Heavy Buying in Gold, Rising Optimism Across US Indices
MTN Nigeria Data Revenue Rises By 69.2% To N1.23trn In H1 2025
Several other African countries maintain relatively low data costs, including Somalia ($0.50), the Democratic Republic of Congo ($0.52), and Rwanda ($0.55). However, prices rise steadily across much of the continent, with countries such as South Africa ($1.81), Benin ($2.37), Senegal ($1.63), and Cameroon ($1.63) sitting above the continental average.
Small island nations and landlocked states dominate the higher end of the pricing scale. Seychelles records an average cost of $5.43, while Zambia stands at $8.01. West and Central African countries such as Mali ($4.56), Chad ($4.09), and Gabon ($4.09) also rank among the most expensive.
Analysts say the wide disparity reflects differences in infrastructure development, market competition, regulatory environments, currency stability, and access to undersea cable connectivity. Countries with multiple telecom operators and strong broadband infrastructure tend to offer cheaper data, while fragile economies and limited competition drive higher costs.
The findings underscore ongoing concerns about digital inclusion across Africa, as high mobile data costs continue to limit internet access, economic participation, and digital innovation in several countries.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
