Benin recorded a significant increase in mobile Internet coverage between 2020 and 2024, according to the Global Mobile Operators Association (GSMA). Mobile broadband (3G and 4G) covers nearly 90% of the territory, compared to an average of 77% in West Africa. 4G coverage in particular increased from 62% to 88% in three years, reaching almost 100% in urban areas and 96% in peri-urban areas. In rural areas, 63% of the population now lives in areas covered by 4G.
Mobile coverage improving, but significant usage deficit
Despite this expansion of mobile Internet coverage, usage of this service remains below expectations according to the GSMA. The association observes a growing gap between the population covered and those who actually use mobile Internet, a phenomenon it calls the “usage gap”. It is calculated by comparing the number of unique users of mobile broadband to the number of inhabitants covered by mobile broadband networks. On this basis, the GSMA estimates that in 2023, 39 to 66% of the inhabitants of Benin lived within range of a mobile broadband network without being connected to it.
Data from Benin’s Electronic Communications and Postal Regulatory Authority (ARCEP) indicate, however, that as of September 30, 2024, out of 18.2 million registered mobile subscribers, 11.7 million were Internet subscribers, representing an adoption rate of 64.25%. For mobile broadband, which includes 6.8 million 3G subscribers and 4.4 million 4G subscribers, the usage rate is 61.75%. However, these figures do not provide information on unique mobile Internet subscribers.
Adjusting for multi-SIM cases, the GSMA estimates that the actual number of unique mobile Internet users in Benin was 7 million at the end of 2023, or 55.4% of the total population. But ” the number of Beninese who regularly accessed the Internet on their mobile phone in 2023 was approximately 3.8 million, which corresponds to 28% of the total population or 48% of the adult population, ” the Association specifies.
What are the obstacles to Internet adoption?
One of the main challenges in this area remains financial accessibility. The cost of Internet packages and smartphones continues to limit adoption, particularly in rural areas where access to electricity remains a major problem. The lack of content adapted to local needs and the still insufficient awareness of the benefits of the Internet are also major obstacles mentioned.
This usage deficit constitutes a major challenge for the digital inclusion ambitions carried by the Beninese State for about fifteen years. Wider access to the Internet remains an essential lever to strengthen the effectiveness of the public services digitalization project and support the development of the digital economy.
To achieve this, actions are needed, particularly in terms of reducing the cost of the Internet, improving access to digital equipment, developing useful content and extending electrification to underserved areas.
Source: extensia.tech
