#Infrastructure #Ethiopia #Internet Society #Internet Resilience #Addis Ababa

Africa's Internet Resilience Shows Promising Growth

In the lead-up to the Internet Society's 2025 Internet Development Conference, scheduled for January 21 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, new data from the Internet Society highlights significant advancements in Africa's digital landscape. The recent report underscores the continent's progress in enhancing internet resilience, as reflected in the Pulse Internet Resilience Index, which measures various key aspects of internet performance, including infrastructure, security, and market readiness.

Key Findings from the Report

The analysis indicates that Africa has achieved an overall internet resilience score of 34%, marking a 1 percentage point increase from 2022. This improvement translates to better access for millions across the continent to essential online services, encompassing education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.

Regions like Western and Middle Africa exhibited the most remarkable enhancements, with each enjoying a 2-point increase. East Africa has also made notable strides, with several nations reporting advancements, particularly Ethiopia, Zambia, and Kenya. Zambia experienced an impressive 6-point boost, while Kenya followed closely with 5 points.

Additional countries, including Uganda, Comoros, Madagascar, and Mozambique, each recorded 4-point increases, demonstrating a shared commitment to improving internet accessibility. Notable progress was also seen in nations like Ethiopia, Eritrea, Djibouti, Mauritius, and Tanzania, all achieving a 3-point rise in their scores.

Driving Forces Behind the Growth

These positive developments can be attributed to various factors, including increased investments in internet infrastructure, the expansion of mobile networks, and enhanced collaboration among local governments, technology providers, and communities. Since 2020, the Internet Society has played a pivotal role in establishing and expanding 16 Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) across Africa. IXPs serve as essential hubs where networks converge to exchange traffic locally, ultimately leading to faster and more affordable internet access for users.

Focus on Internet Development Conference

As stakeholders prepare to meet at the Internet Development Conference, the agenda will focus on addressing regional connectivity challenges, promoting cooperation, and fostering a robust internet economy. This year's event will specifically target the improvement of internet infrastructure and regulatory frameworks among member states of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), including Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, and Uganda.

Dawit Bekele, Regional Vice President for Africa at the Internet Society, commented on the encouraging trends in internet resilience throughout the continent, stating: "In a remarkable year for digital development, Africa is seeing steady progress toward connectivity, with notable advances in internet resilience and infrastructure across the continent. While some challenges remain, nations are leading the charge in creating accessible, resilient internet networks critical for business and society."

The Internet Development Conference aims to urge continued investment and cooperative efforts to ensure all Africans can benefit from a reliable and resilient internet. This collaborative approach is essential for overcoming barriers that persist in closing the digital divide.

Conclusion

The advancements in Africa's internet resilience signal a hopeful future for digital connectivity across the continent. With ongoing investments and collaborative initiatives, there is a tangible opportunity to build a stronger, more interconnected digital landscape that can support economic growth, education, and essential services for communities across Africa. Further insights and details regarding the Internet Society's Pulse Internet Resilience Index can be explored through their official communications.