As of January 2024, most South Africans accessed the internet using a mobile phone: a share of **** percent of internet users connected via this device. Most users adopted smartphones, while only *** percent were connected using feature phones. Furthermore, roughly ** percent used a laptop or a desktop computer to connect to the internet. Personal laptops/desktops were preferred over the ones provided by an employer. Alternatively, only **** percent accessed the internet using smart home devices.

As of January 2024, there were 45.34 million active internet users in South Africa. According to the same report, close to 26 million internet users in the country used social media, around 42.8 percent of the total population. The future of internet usage in South Africa: projected growth and mobile dominance South Africa's digital population grew significantly during the last decade. In 2023, almost 44 million people were connected to the internet, up from around 25 million in 2013. Furthermore, the majority of the South African population, specifically 78.7 percent, utilized mobile devices to access the internet in 2022. This proportion will increase to over 90 percent by 2027. Additionally, the number of mobile internet users in South Africa was almost 47.8 million in 2022. Social media usage in South Africa: popularity and demographics The country's most popular social media platform during the third quarter of 2022 was Meta’s instant messaging application WhatsApp. Facebook and Instagram ranked second and third among South African internet users. Moreover, a closer look into the demographics of social media users in the country reveals that people between the ages of 25 to 34 years made up the highest share of users in South Africa.

South Africa Internet Usage: Device Vendor Market Share: Tablet: White Label data was reported at 0.000 % in 22 Mar 2025. This stayed constant from the previous number of 0.000 % for 21 Mar 2025. South Africa Internet Usage: Device Vendor Market Share: Tablet: White Label data is updated daily, averaging 0.000 % from Mar 2025 (Median) to 22 Mar 2025, with 8 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 0.050 % in 19 Mar 2025 and a record low of 0.000 % in 22 Mar 2025. South Africa Internet Usage: Device Vendor Market Share: Tablet: White Label data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Statcounter Global Stats. The data is categorized under Global Database’s South Africa – Table ZA.SC.IU: Internet Usage: Device Vendor Market Share.

South Africa Internet Usage: Device Vendor Market Share: Mobile: TCL data was reported at 0.020 % in 25 Nov 2025. This stayed constant from the previous number of 0.020 % for 24 Nov 2025. South Africa Internet Usage: Device Vendor Market Share: Mobile: TCL data is updated daily, averaging 0.040 % from Jun 2024 (Median) to 25 Nov 2025, with 540 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 0.120 % in 15 Apr 2025 and a record low of 0.000 % in 21 Aug 2024. South Africa Internet Usage: Device Vendor Market Share: Mobile: TCL data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Statcounter Global Stats. The data is categorized under Global Database’s South Africa – Table ZA.SC.IU: Internet Usage: Device Vendor Market Share.

As of February 2025, Morocco had an internet penetration of over 92 percent, making it the country with the highest internet penetration in Africa. Libya ranked second, with 88.5 percent, followed by Seychelles with over 87 percent. On the other hand, The Central African Republic, Chad, and Burundi had the lowest prevalence of internet among their population. Varying but growing levels of internet adoption Although internet usage varies significantly across African countries, the overall number of internet users on the continent jumped to around 646 million from close to 181 million in 2014. Of those, almost a third lived in Nigeria and Egypt only, two of the three most populous countries on the continent. Furthermore, internet users are expected to surge, reaching over 1.1 billion users by 2029. Mobile devices dominate web traffic Most internet adoptions on the continent occurred recently. This is among the reasons mobile phones increasingly play a significant role in connecting African populations. As of early January 2024, around 74 percent of the web traffic in Africa was via mobile phones, over 14 percentage points higher than the world average. Furthermore, almost all African countries have a higher web usage on mobile devices compared to other devices, with rates as high as 92 percent in Sudan. This is partly due to mobile connections being cheaper and not requiring the infrastructure needed for traditional desktop PCs with fixed-line internet connections.

The number of smartphone users in South Africa was forecast to continuously increase between 2024 and 2029 by in total 12 million users (+86.83 percent). After the ninth consecutive increasing year, the smartphone user base is estimated to reach 25.83 million users and therefore a new peak in 2029. Notably, the number of smartphone users of was continuously increasing over the past years.Smartphone users here are limited to internet users of any age using a smartphone. The shown figures have been derived from survey data that has been processed to estimate missing demographics.The shown data are an excerpt of Statista's Key Market Indicators (KMI). The KMI are a collection of primary and secondary indicators on the macro-economic, demographic and technological environment in up to 150 countries and regions worldwide. All indicators are sourced from international and national statistical offices, trade associations and the trade press and they are processed to generate comparable data sets (see supplementary notes under details for more information).

As of October 2025, Nigeria had 107 million internet users—the highest number reported all over Africa. Meanwhile, Egypt ranked second with over 96 million users. The majority of web traffic in leading digital markets in Africa originated from mobile devices. This is due in part to the fact that mobile connections are much cheaper and do not require the infrastructure that is needed for traditional desktop PCs with fixed-line internet connections. Anticipating notable growth: Africa's internet user rise and projected milestones The projected trend for Africa indicates a consistent rise in internet users from 2024 to 2029. It will have a collective addition of 337.3 million users (equivalent to a growth of 51.79 percent). Following fifteen successive years of growth, the user count is anticipated to reach a record high of 1.1 billion by 2029. Furthermore, the online penetration rate on the continent was 43 percent, which was below the global average, measured at around 68 percent. Unveiling internet trends The region has witnessed a steady increase in internet users over the years. In January 2024, Southern Africa stood out as the African region with the most sizable internet penetration rate, reaching approximately 73.1 percent. The proportion of individuals accessing the internet in this part of Africa and Northern Africa surpassed the global average (66.2 percent). Moreover, Morocco boasted an impressive internet penetration of about 91 percent, securing its position as Africa's foremost country. Libya held the second position with a penetration rate of approximately 88 percent, followed closely by Seychelles at around 86.7 percent.

Find the latest trends in smartphone usage with our Smartphone Penetration Statistics for South Africa in 2023. Discover top brands, models, and market insights. Expected Smartphone Penetration Rates in South Africa 2028 91.31, Smartphone Penetration Rate in 2023 82.5, Most Sought-after Smartphone Brand in South Africa Apple, Most Popular Smartphone Model iPhone 13, Brand with the Highest Market Share Samsung (48%), Most Likely Age Group to Access The Internet via Smartphones 25-34, Expected Mobile Phone Market Revenue in 2023 7.9 bn.

The population share with mobile internet access in South Africa was forecast to continuously increase between 2024 and 2029 by in total 16.7 percentage points. After the ninth consecutive increasing year, the mobile internet penetration is estimated to reach 38.27 percent and therefore a new peak in 2029. Notably, the population share with mobile internet access of was continuously increasing over the past years.The penetration rate refers to the share of the total population having access to the internet via a mobile broadband connection.The shown data are an excerpt of Statista's Key Market Indicators (KMI). The KMI are a collection of primary and secondary indicators on the macro-economic, demographic and technological environment in up to 150 countries and regions worldwide. All indicators are sourced from international and national statistical offices, trade associations and the trade press and they are processed to generate comparable data sets (see supplementary notes under details for more information).

Abstract

Research ICT Africa (RIA) is a non-profit, public interest, research entity which undertakes research on how information and communication technologies are being accessed and used in African countries. The aim is to measure the impact on lifestyles and livelihoods of people and households and to understand how informal businesses can prosper through the use of ICTs. This research can facilitate informed policy-making for improved access, use and application of ICT for social development and economic growth. RIA collects both supply-side and demand-side data. On the demand-side nationally representative surveys are conducted on ICT use and demand in African countries. This survey dataset consists of data collected by household and business surveys conducted in 9 African countries in 2017 and 2018.

Geographic coverage

National coverage, the survey was conducted in Botswana, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, and Tunisia.

Analysis unit

Households and individuals

Universe

The data is nationally representative on a household and individual level for individuals 16 years of age or older.

Kind of data

Sample survey data [ssd]

Sampling procedure

The random sampling was performed in four steps for households and businesses, and five steps for individuals. • Step 1: The national census sample frames was split into urban and rural Enumerator areas (EAs). • Step 2: EAs were sampled for each stratum using probability proportional to size (PPS). • Step 3: For each EA two listings were compiled, one for households and one for businesses. The listings serve as sample frame for the simple random sections. • Step 4: 24 Households and 10 businesses were sampled using simple random sample for each selected EA. • Step 5: From all household members 15 years or older or visitors staying the night at the house one was randomly selected based on simple random sampling.

Mode of data collection

Face-to-face [f2f]

Research instrument

The survey questionnaire consisted of 16 modules. - Admin (enumerator completes it before Interviewing the Household) - Household Roster, list all household members 15 years or older - Household Roster, list all household members 14 years or younger - Household Attributes - Demographic Information - Income and Expenditure - Social Activities - Mobile Phone - No Mobile Phone - Mobile Money - Internet - No Internet Use - Social Media - No Social Media - Micro work - Household Attributes of Visitor

The population share with mobile internet access in Africa was forecast to continuously increase between 2024 and 2029 by in total 21.7 percentage points. After the eighteenth consecutive increasing year, the mobile internet penetration is estimated to reach 46.22 percent and therefore a new peak in 2029. The penetration rate refers to the share of the total population having access to the internet via a mobile broadband connection.The shown data are an excerpt of Statista's Key Market Indicators (KMI). The KMI are a collection of primary and secondary indicators on the macro-economic, demographic and technological environment in up to 150 countries and regions worldwide. All indicators are sourced from international and national statistical offices, trade associations and the trade press and they are processed to generate comparable data sets (see supplementary notes under details for more information).Find more key insights for the population share with mobile internet access in countries like Caribbean and Europe.

The number of internet users in Africa was forecast to continuously increase between 2024 and 2029 by in total 327.8 million users (+51.52 percent). After the fifteenth consecutive increasing year, the number of users is estimated to reach 964.1 million users and therefore a new peak in 2029. Notably, the number of internet users of was continuously increasing over the past years.Depicted is the estimated number of individuals in the country or region at hand, that use the internet. As the datasource clarifies, connection quality and usage frequency are distinct aspects, not taken into account here.The shown data are an excerpt of Statista's Key Market Indicators (KMI). The KMI are a collection of primary and secondary indicators on the macro-economic, demographic and technological environment in up to 150 countries and regions worldwide. All indicators are sourced from international and national statistical offices, trade associations and the trade press and they are processed to generate comparable data sets (see supplementary notes under details for more information).Find more key insights for the number of internet users in countries like Europe and the Americas.

South Africa ZA: Internet Users: Individuals: % of Population data was reported at 54.000 % in 2016. This records an increase from the previous number of 51.919 % for 2015. South Africa ZA: Internet Users: Individuals: % of Population data is updated yearly, averaging 7.008 % from Dec 1990 (Median) to 2016, with 27 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 54.000 % in 2016 and a record low of 0.000 % in 1990. South Africa ZA: Internet Users: Individuals: % of Population data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s South Africa – Table ZA.World Bank: Telecommunication. Internet users are individuals who have used the Internet (from any location) in the last 3 months. The Internet can be used via a computer, mobile phone, personal digital assistant, games machine, digital TV etc.; ; International Telecommunication Union, World Telecommunication/ICT Development Report and database.; Weighted average; Please cite the International Telecommunication Union for third-party use of these data.

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Internet Of Things (IoT) Chip Market Size 2024-2028

The internet of things (iot) chip market size is forecast to increase by USD 19.51 billion, at a CAGR of 15.2% between 2023 and 2028.

Major Market Trends & Insights

APAC dominated the market and accounted for a 47% growth during the forecast period.
By the Application - Smart cities segment was valued at USD 6.13 billion in 2022
By the Type - Logic devices segment accounted for the largest market revenue share in 2022

Market Size & Forecast

Market Opportunities: USD 196.66 million
Market Future Opportunities: USD 19510.80 million
CAGR : 15.2%
APAC: Largest market in 2022

Market Summary

The market is experiencing significant growth, with an increasing number of industries adopting smart devices and applications. One notable development is the introduction of NB-IoT technology, which offers enhanced connectivity and lower power consumption for IoT devices. According to recent market studies, the global IoT chip market is projected to reach a value of USD62.1 billion by 2026, growing at a steady pace. However, privacy and security concerns remain a major challenge for market expansion. Despite these hurdles, the market continues to evolve, with advancements in edge computing and artificial intelligence driving innovation and improving the functionality of IoT devices.
As businesses seek to optimize operations and enhance customer experiences, the adoption of IoT solutions is expected to accelerate, making the market a dynamic and exciting space to watch.

What will be the Size of the Internet Of Things (IoT) Chip Market during the forecast period?

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The market encompasses a diverse range of technologies, from environmental monitoring sensors to power-efficient location tracking systems and industrial automation components. According to industry estimates, the global IoT chip market size was valued at USD25.2 billion in 2020, with a projected compound annual growth rate of 21.5% from 2021 to 2028. Component miniaturization and circuit board fabrication have been key drivers, enabling the integration of advanced features such as signal integrity analysis, error correction codes, and field-programmable gate arrays. In contrast, the increasing adoption of data visualization tools, wireless communication modules, and application programming interfaces for remote monitoring systems has led to a surge in demand for digital signal processors and data compression methods.
The market's continuous evolution is marked by the integration of machine learning models, predictive maintenance, and energy harvesting techniques, further enhancing system performance and network connectivity. Despite these advancements, security vulnerabilities remain a significant challenge, necessitating ongoing research and development in error correction codes, network connectivity, and software updates deployment.

How is this Internet Of Things (IoT) Chip Industry segmented?

The internet of things (iot) chip industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD million' for the period 2024-2028, as well as historical data from 2018-2022 for the following segments.

Application

  Smart cities
  Industrial ethernet
  Smart wearables
  Connected vehicles
  Connected homes


Type

  Logic devices
  Sensors
  Processors
  Connectivity integrated circuits
  Memory devices


Geography

  North America

    US


  APAC

    China
    Japan
    South Korea
    Taiwan


  Rest of World (ROW)

By Application Insights

The smart cities segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

In the dynamic and evolving Internet of Things (IoT) market, the demand for advanced chipsets is surging to support the connectivity needs of various smart city applications, such as smart parking, smart meters, and smart grid solutions. The integration of IoT chipsets in urban infrastructure, including power plants, transportation systems, and water supply networks, is a crucial element of smart city development. The IoT chip market is currently witnessing significant growth, with the adoption of IoT chipsets in smart city projects expanding by 18%. Furthermore, the industry is anticipated to experience substantial expansion, with IoT chipset sales in smart city applications projected to increase by 25% in the upcoming years.

To meet the stringent requirements of smart city applications, IoT chip manufacturers focus on enhancing device certification standards, optimizing antenna designs, and improving network infrastructure. IoT device security, quality control testing, and battery life extension are also essential considerations. Innovations in sensor fusion algorithms, integr

The number of smartphone users in Africa was forecast to continuously increase between 2024 and 2029 by in total 353.1 million users (+109.45 percent). After the eighteenth consecutive increasing year, the smartphone user base is estimated to reach 675.71 million users and therefore a new peak in 2029. Smartphone users here are limited to internet users of any age using a smartphone. The shown figures have been derived from survey data that has been processed to estimate missing demographics.The shown data are an excerpt of Statista's Key Market Indicators (KMI). The KMI are a collection of primary and secondary indicators on the macro-economic, demographic and technological environment in up to 150 countries and regions worldwide. All indicators are sourced from international and national statistical offices, trade associations and the trade press and they are processed to generate comparable data sets (see supplementary notes under details for more information).Find more key insights for the number of smartphone users in countries like Caribbean and Europe.

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Mobile Content Market Size 2024-2028

The mobile content market size is forecast to increase by USD 971.6 billion at a CAGR of 38.81% between 2023 and 2028.

The market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the increasing use of social media on mobile devices and the rising popularity of virtual reality videos. These trends are transforming the way consumers engage with content on their mobile devices. However, the market also faces challenges, including privacy and data security concerns. As consumers become more aware of the importance of protecting their personal information, mobile content providers must prioritize security measures to build trust and maintain user engagement. This market trends and analysis report delves into these factors and more, providing insights into the current state and future direction of the market.

What will be the Size of the Mobile Content Market During the Forecast Period?

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The market encompasses a diverse range of services and applications catering to the ever-growing base of mobile users worldwide. Mobile devices, including smartphones and tablets, have transformed the way we consume content, with social media platforms leading the charge. Advertising, both on the mobile web and through mobile applications, has become a significant revenue contributor, particularly for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) seeking to reach their audience through digital marketing channels. SMS marketing and location-based marketing are additional avenues for businesses to engage consumers. Telecom companies play a crucial role In the mobile content ecosystem, providing the underlying infrastructure for mobile communications.
Additionally, security and privacy concerns, driven by the increasing use of mobile devices for sensitive transactions, have become a major focus. Virtual reality, short-form video, mobile gaming, and AI solutions are among the emerging trends shaping the mobile content landscape. The fragmentation of mobile devices and the need for data security continue to pose challenges for content providers and consumers alike. Internet users increasingly demand personalized, on-demand content, driving innovation in the market. The market's digitalization is expected to continue, with cloud-based solutions and advanced technologies like AI and VR poised to transform the way we create, consume, and monetize mobile content.

How is this Mobile Content Industry segmented and which is the largest segment?

The mobile content industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2024-2028, as well as historical data from 2018-2022 for the following segments.

Type

  Gaming
  Video
  Music and image
  Others


Ownership

  SMEs
  Large enterprises


Geography

  North America

    US


  APAC

    China
    India
    Japan


  Europe

    UK


  South America



  Middle East and Africa

By Type Insights

The gaming segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

The market encompasses various sectors, including mobile applications, mobile web, social media, advertising, and digital services. With the proliferation of smartphones and tablets among mobile users, the demand for mobile content has grown. Mobile applications, particularly in gaming, have witnessed significant growth due to the increasing number of internet users and easy access to high-speed networks. Virtual reality and augmented reality-based games have revolutionized the mobile gaming industry, driving innovation and user engagement. In-app purchases and subscriptions have emerged as popular revenue models, contributing significantly to the market's growth.

Additionally, SMEs and enterprises have adopted mobile content for productivity and enterprise mobility solutions. Security concerns, including data security and privacy, remain crucial factors influencing the market's growth. The market's digital ecosystem includes various players offering professional services, consulting services, and content distribution. The revenue model varies from pay-per-download to streaming services and in-app purchases. The market's growth is fueled by consumer preferences, digitalization, and the integration of AI solutions, cloud RAN, and machine learning technologies.

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The gaming segment was valued at USD 28.30 billion in 2018 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.

Regional Analysis

APAC is estimated to contribute 31% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period.

Technavio's analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period.

For more insights on the market share o