Top 10 African Countries with the Most Expensive Broadband in 2025 | USAEMALL.com

In Summary

• Africa’s broadband pricing is shaped by geography and infrastructure, but reforms and regional projects are steadily reducing long-term costs.
• Small states and islands with limited economies of scale are at the top of the cost list, yet many are pioneers in digital policy innovation.
• New undersea cables, cross-border fiber links, and public-private partnerships are positioning Africa for one of the fastest broadband transformations globally.

Deep Dive!!

Lagos, Nigeria, Friday, September 26 – Broadband pricing across Africa highlights how infrastructure, geography, and market dynamics shape digital access. In 2025, several nations still record subscription costs far above the continental average, yet these figures are also markers of where reforms and investment are most urgently reshaping the sector.

High prices often arise where economies of scale are limited, where networks depend heavily on external bandwidth, or where competition among providers remains low. These structural realities make broadband more costly, but they also identify where targeted reforms like regional cable sharing, policy-driven price regulation, and localized infrastructure projects can have the greatest impact.

Despite the challenges, the momentum toward affordable access is clear. Governments are partnering with private operators on new fiber projects, the African Union is driving integration through its Digital Transformation Strategy, and global tech players are investing in undersea systems that will connect more coastal landing points. Seen together, the 2025 data offers both a snapshot of current costs and a preview of the continental shift toward wider, more affordable digital inclusion.

10. Djibouti

Djibouti’s average monthly broadband cost stands at $86, with users paying about $3.91 per megabit. This places it among the most expensive broadband markets in Africa in 2025.

The country’s pricing reflects a paradox. Djibouti is home to one of the highest concentrations of submarine cable landings on the continent, giving it strategic importance as a digital gateway linking Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. However, much of this infrastructure is oriented toward wholesale transit traffic, serving neighboring countries rather than directly reducing domestic retail prices. The dominance of the state-owned operator has also limited competition, slowing the trickle-down effect of Djibouti’s strong connectivity position on ordinary households and small businesses.

Reforms are underway to shift this balance. The government has been working on partial liberalization of the telecom sector, encouraging new entrants and private investment in the last-mile delivery. Regional projects supported by the African Union and development banks aim to extend affordable fiber access inland, reducing reliance on costly retail packages. Djibouti has also begun investing in data centers and internet exchange points, which are expected to localize traffic, cut costs, and improve speeds. These steps, though gradual, suggest that Djibouti’s status as a transit hub is evolving into a more inclusive digital economy for its own citizens.

9. São Tomé and Príncipe

Broadband in São Tomé and Príncipe costs around $86 per month, with a per-megabit cost of $5.32. For a small island nation with fewer than a quarter of a million residents, these prices remain among the highest on the continent.

The high costs are largely tied to geography and scale. As an island state in the Gulf of Guinea, São Tomé depends on limited undersea cable connections, which narrows the supply of international bandwidth. With a small domestic market, telecom providers face higher per-user operating costs, and limited competition reduces incentives to lower prices. The economy’s reliance on agriculture and tourism also means there is less large-scale industrial demand to push providers toward broader, cheaper packages. These dynamics combine to keep retail broadband prices well above what many households can comfortably afford.

Even so, progress is emerging. The government has prioritized digital connectivity in its development agenda, seeking partnerships with regional bodies and international lenders to expand access. Projects linking the islands to new submarine cable systems are expected to diversify bandwidth supply, while small-scale initiatives are testing community Wi-Fi solutions in schools and rural towns. São Tomé is also part of regional digital cooperation programs within Central Africa, designed to encourage shared infrastructure and technical expertise. While affordability remains a challenge today, these reforms indicate a gradual but steady move toward cheaper, more inclusive broadband access.

8. Lesotho

Broadband in Lesotho costs about $86 per month, while the cost per megabit is $1.31, one of the lowest in Africa. This shows that although users face high monthly bills, the speed-to-cost ratio is relatively favorable compared to some larger markets.

Lesotho’s location and infrastructure are key to this paradox. Being landlocked, the country has no direct link to undersea cables and must rely on South Africa for international capacity. This dependence makes wholesale internet expensive, and with a small customer base, providers cannot spread costs widely. The mountainous terrain also slows down infrastructure rollout, making it harder for companies to invest heavily in rural broadband. As a result, most high-speed connections remain concentrated in urban areas, especially the capital, Maseru.

Still, progress is underway. The government has prioritized ICT growth in its National Strategic Development Plan, with fiber extension projects targeting schools, hospitals, and administrative offices. Mobile internet is also bridging the gap, as 4G coverage now reaches much of the lowlands and is expanding into the highlands. Partnerships with regional bodies in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) are helping Lesotho access shared digital infrastructure, which is expected to cut costs over time. These initiatives, while gradual, show the country’s commitment to turning broadband into a tool for education, business, and cross-border trade.

7. The Gambia

In The Gambia, broadband costs around $87 per month, with a cost per megabit of $4.19. This places the service beyond the reach of many households, making mobile data the more common option for daily use.

The country’s dependence on a single international landing station in Banjul drives much of this expense. With limited providers operating at scale, competition remains shallow, and costs are passed directly to consumers. The small size of the market, combined with high equipment import duties, further prevents operators from offering lower-priced packages. As a result, most Gambians turn to mobile broadband, which covers a wider population but often comes with speed and reliability challenges.

However, The Gambia has begun investing in solutions to make broadband more accessible. The government is working with the ECOWAS Regional Backbone Project to connect the country more effectively with neighboring Senegal and other West African states. Expansion of 4G and planned 5G trials are also expected to ease pressure on fixed-line services. Local startups are entering the ICT sector too, pushing for more affordable packages tailored to small businesses and students. These steps indicate that while current costs are high, the country is laying the groundwork for broader digital inclusion.

6. Comoros

Broadband in Comoros averages about $96 per month, with a cost per megabit of $62.46. This combination of high subscription fees and steep unit costs makes broadband one of the least accessible services in the region.

Several factors explain this situation. Comoros is a small island nation scattered across the Indian Ocean, with limited domestic infrastructure and no direct control over submarine cables. Its connectivity relies heavily on international partners, which raises wholesale costs. The archipelagic geography also complicates the internal distribution of internet services, as providers must build and maintain networks across multiple islands with small, dispersed populations. This lack of economies of scale contributes directly to the higher prices consumers face.

Even so, reforms are underway. The government has emphasized digital transformation in its Emerging Comoros Plan, which includes expanding fiber networks and increasing investment in ICT. Partnerships with international organizations are funding programs to connect schools and public offices, while operators are upgrading mobile broadband to cover more of the islands. These initiatives are designed to reduce dependence on costly external links, attract digital businesses, and ultimately make internet services more affordable for households and small enterprises.

5. Seychelles

Broadband in Seychelles costs around $109 per month, with a per-megabit price of $5.84. Despite the country’s small population, these costs place it among the highest in Africa, making fixed broadband a premium service.

Seychelles’ geography and scale shape the pricing. As an island nation with just under 100,000 people, the domestic market is too small to support multiple large providers. This limits competition and keeps subscription costs high. While Seychelles is connected to the SEAS submarine cable, maintenance and international transit fees remain costly because of its remote location in the Indian Ocean. The economy’s reliance on tourism also shapes demand: hotels, resorts, and businesses absorb most of the high-capacity broadband, while many households continue to rely on mobile data bundles.

Still, Seychelles is actively pushing to make broadband more inclusive. The government’s National ICT Policy promotes universal access by expanding fiber in urban centers and subsidizing internet for schools and public institutions. Mobile operators are also rolling out nationwide 4G and exploring 5G readiness, giving more people alternatives to fixed broadband. With continued investment, Seychelles is working to balance its small-market constraints with the goal of digital inclusion, ensuring that connectivity benefits education, commerce, and everyday life.

4. Eritrea

Eritrea’s broadband costs average $117 per month, while the cost per megabit reaches an exceptionally high $338.15. This makes fixed broadband one of the most expensive digital services on the continent.

Several factors drive these costs. Eritrea’s internet penetration is still low, with infrastructure heavily concentrated in Asmara and a few urban centers. The country relies mainly on satellite connections rather than submarine cables, which makes wholesale access expensive and bandwidth limited. The small scale of the market, combined with strict regulatory controls, further restricts competition. These conditions explain why broadband remains a service accessed by a limited number of institutions and businesses rather than the wider population.

Nonetheless, gradual steps are being taken to improve the situation. The government has invested in modernizing its national telecom company and is reportedly exploring regional connectivity partnerships through the Eastern Africa Regional Digital Integration Project (EARDIP). Mobile internet expansion is also viewed as a practical alternative to fixed broadband, particularly in underserved areas. While progress is measured, these efforts show recognition of the need for more affordable and widespread access as part of the country’s long-term development strategy.

3. Mozambique

Mozambique’s broadband costs around $118 per month, with a per-megabit price of $14.10. These figures place it among the more expensive internet markets in Africa, where fixed-line services are still largely limited to businesses and high-income households.

The reasons lie in both infrastructure and geography. Mozambique has access to several submarine cables, including SEACOM and EASSy, but the benefits have not fully reached end users. Limited internal distribution networks, high maintenance costs, and a regulatory framework that has historically favored state-linked operators have slowed competition. Much of the population depends on mobile internet, as fixed broadband penetration remains low and mainly concentrated in urban areas such as Maputo and Beira.

Efforts are ongoing to shift this balance. The government has prioritized ICT expansion in its Digital Economy Strategy, focusing on extending fiber networks to more provinces and lowering access costs for schools and public institutions. Mobile operators are also investing in 4G and piloting 5G trials in urban hubs. With these initiatives, Mozambique is working to make its abundant international bandwidth more accessible domestically, bridging the gap between infrastructure potential and everyday affordability.

2. Democratic Republic of the Congo

Broadband in the Democratic Republic of the Congo costs about $171 per month, with a cost per megabit of just $2.96. This contrast between a high monthly subscription and a relatively low per-unit price highlights the uneven nature of broadband access in the country.

The DRC’s vast geography and underdeveloped infrastructure largely account for this imbalance. Although the country is connected to undersea cables through landing points in Muanda, the scale of its territory makes inland distribution extremely challenging. Poor transport infrastructure, limited power supply in rural areas, and high operating risks for telecom companies further increase costs. As a result, fixed broadband remains concentrated in major cities like Kinshasa and Lubumbashi, while millions of citizens rely heavily on mobile internet for their connectivity needs.

Still, the DRC has been making notable strides. The government has rolled out the National Digital Plan (Horizon 2025), which prioritizes expanding fiber optic coverage, reducing dependence on satellite backhaul, and encouraging private investment in the sector. Regional initiatives linking the DRC with neighboring countries are also helping to expand bandwidth availability inland. These steps, while gradual, signal a commitment to harnessing the country’s size and resources for broader digital inclusion in the years ahead.

1. Burundi

In Burundi, broadband costs about $305 per month, with an additional $116.66 per megabit, making it one of the steepest internet markets in Africa. The combination of high flat fees and expensive per-unit pricing creates barriers for households, schools, and small businesses trying to stay connected.

The country’s landlocked geography and reliance on neighboring states for international bandwidth are key contributors to this situation. Limited access to undersea cables means providers often depend on satellite and cross-border terrestrial links, both of which come with high operational costs. Political instability and underdeveloped energy infrastructure further complicate investment, restricting the rollout of affordable broadband solutions. As a result, access remains concentrated among urban elites, leaving rural communities with very limited connectivity.

Despite these challenges, Burundi has not been left behind in the regional push for digital progress. The government has worked with partners such as the World Bank to expand fiber optic backbones, aiming to reduce reliance on expensive satellite connections. Mobile internet adoption has also grown, offering a cheaper alternative for many citizens and helping to bridge gaps in access. While affordability remains a concern, these gradual shifts suggest a more inclusive digital environment is possible in the years ahead.