A recent report by GSMA, the global body of mobile network operators, has shed light on the significant internet connectivity gap in Africa. According to the report, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Egypt, Tanzania, and Kenya are the top 5 African countries with the largest number of people without internet access, with a staggering 120 million unconnected citizens in Nigeria alone.

The report highlights affordability and digital literacy as the primary barriers to mobile internet adoption in Sub-Saharan Africa, where an entry-level internet-enabled phone costs 99% of the average monthly income for the poorest 20% of the population. This digital divide has significant implications for the continent's economic growth, innovation, and social development.

The findings of this report underscore the need for digital inclusion initiatives and investments in infrastructure, education, and affordability to bridge the internet gap in Africa. Startups and tech companies operating in these regions must prioritize digital literacy and affordability in their product development and business strategies to tap into the vast potential of the African market.

The report's insights are crucial for policymakers, entrepreneurs, and investors seeking to harness the power of technology to drive economic growth and social progress in Africa.