Nigeria’s Explosive Internet Growth: A Game-Changer for ICT-Based SMEs or a Missed Opportunity?

Africa’s Internet Boom: A Catalyst for ICT Growth or Just a Numbers Game? 

Over the past five years, internet penetration in Africa has surged, as the continent strives to bridge the ICT gap with the Western world. Between 2013 and 2018, three African nations ranked among the world's top 25 internet users—a testament to this digital transformation.  

In 2017, Nigeria led the charge, accounting for 27.4% of Africa’s total internet usage. By December 2018, internet users in the country hit 111.6 million, up from 108.4 million in November, reflecting an increase of over 3.1 million new subscribers.  

A closer look at the data from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) shows that MTN, Airtel, and Globacom gained more subscribers, while 9mobile experienced a significant decline, losing over 1.3 million users in December 2018.  

The Driving Forces Behind Africa’s Digital Surge

Could the rise in affordable smartphones and broadband access be fueling this digital explosion? The statistics suggest so. By the end of 2016, Sub-Saharan Africa had 420 million unique mobile subscribers, with a penetration rate of 43%. The region continues to grow at a 6.1% CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate), outpacing global averages by 50%.  

According to Monica Peart, Senior Forecasting Analyst at eMarketer, “Inexpensive mobile phones and mobile broadband connections are driving internet access and usage in regions where fixed internet has been inaccessible due to infrastructure and affordability challenges.”  

With cheap smartphones opening doors to mobile broadband, both urban and rural communities are gaining access to the digital world, creating opportunities for businesses, entrepreneurs, and SMEs.  

A Digital Economy in the Making?

Reports indicate that mobile subscriptions in Sub-Saharan Africa are soaring, with Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Ghana leading the charge. By late 2019, projections estimated  930 million mobile subscriptions, with three out of four including internet access.  

This shift isn’t just about connectivity—it’s about economic transformation. Surveys show that 40–50% of African SMEs now use computers for business, while 35% leverage the internet for operations. Nigeria, like many developing nations, is increasingly embracing ICT as a critical driver of socio-economic growth.  

With initiatives like Nigeria’s Vision 2020 and the ICT Strategic Roadmap (2017-2020), the government and private sector are aligning to capitalize on digital expansion. But the question remains: Will this internet boom translate into sustainable growth, or is it just another fleeting trend?